2 comments about Decorating Master Class.

1. Decorating Master Class should be required reading in all interior design firms. As a matter of fact, It is is soon to be a benchmark in the annals of decorating history. The authors have not only captured the essence of good taste and style, but they present their craft in a manner that is easy to comprehend and understand. I love this book!!!!



2. The concept of a "Master Class" is a course taught by a top, often world-renowned, professional in a field, to graduate-level students of the highest caliber. When you really understand what a master class is, you get a better sense of the proper audience for this wonderful book showcasing the work of Cullman & Kravis. BUT be prepared -- while the authors may have intended this as a book for the layman, it's for a more precise niche, either the very knowledgeable amateur, or the young professional hoping to work in ultra-high-end interior design.
   
   I would recommend it highly to someone just starting out in the design world, or someone who wants a better understanding of the options available to those with the checkbook to get anything they want. If, for example, you're planning a major interior design project and intend to work with a designer, this is a great primer on the process and details. It'll likely make you a far more informed client for the designer you'll ultimately choose.
   
   It is emphatically not, however, for the DIY reader. The authors assume that you'll be working with professionals, and present options accordingly. The guidelines in such areas as upholstery & trim, lighting, and flooring are invaluable, but such detail is for those who really want it. Your reaction may be, "Okay, that's more than I wanted to know." They also assume such luxuries as custom cabinetry, custom-colored rugs and upholstery, custom embroidery -- basically, an entirely custom environment. This is, after all, what Cullman & Kravis does so beautifully, but it may not be of help to a reader looking for guidance in the real world.
   
   Such books by top designers are the "in" thing lately -- note Jeffrey Bilhuber's Design Basics: Expert Solutions for Designing the House of Your Dreams, Mariette Himes Gomez's Rooms: Creating Luxurious, Livable Spaces, Rose Tarlow's The Private House, Bunny Williams' Point of View: Three Decades of Decorating Elegant and Comfortable Houses, Michael S. Smith: Elements of Style, etc. They cover the length and breadth of interior design today, and they vary widely in their approach. "Decorating Master Class" is for those who want only the finest, and the authors assume their readers have the wherewithal to achieve it.

5 comments about Candice Olson on Design.

1. As an Interior Design student, I found this book was helpful with learning how to render floor plans and elevations. The design projects were done well, and were realistic types of projects that I might work on in the future, so it was fun trying to copy her sketches, to learn how she made them so beautiful, and figure out how to do it myself.
   
   The text is well-written in conversational syle, without being patronizing and she has a good sense of humor, so it was a welcome break from standard text books, and I felt like I actually learned from it too.
   
   I would suggest this book to people who are interested in design on a hobby level, as well as students and designers.



2. I bought the book cause I just love Candice's work and design. I admire her projects.
   But the book is definetly dissapointment. My first impresoion was that the paper that was used to print the book - a cheap peace that destroyed the quality of the photos in it. Also, the text that goes with every design project do not say anything interesting or helpful.



3. The book was part of the Candice Olson birthday package I picked up for the missus - see my review elsewhere of the Candice Olson lamp - and we both enjoyed reading it. The bedroom where Candice uses dark wood flooring for the headboard wall is my personal favorite, and I might just have to rip off that idea for my basement project.
   
   And not to give too much away, the foreword on her personal history will make your belly ache from laughter. I sure as hell wouldn't put my high school pictures in any of MY books!
   
   The book's only fault is that it's too short, but for those used to reading design books, you'll probably find the writing much livier, as if they didn't force the designer or architect to pull double-duty by writing the text. It also puts Candice's work front and center, without the sometimes distracting (but necessary) banter of the TV show.
   
   That said, the book is not a "series synopsis" and will not substitute for watching the show. It will make a great coffee table read or a gift for friends who might enjoy her show.



4. Candice Olson on Design containg many beautiful pictures of her work. I can say to all, but many of the rooms are from the shows from HGTV. However, I was disapppointed by the lack of explaination of some of the design ideas. My purpose of this purchase of this book was to give rationale to some of her design ideas and how I could implement them into my home. This book was very non-general and mainly for someone whom may want a picture book only. An even so, The photos never keyed into her usage of lighting. Which she always incorporates for any of her rooms. Your better off watch the show or DIY.



5. The book "Candice Olson on Design" is really good, although it's too bad that there isn't a chapter on lighting. Candice's application of lighting on her TV show, Divine Design, is so "wow". Candice's remodels of existing fire places leaves me waiting breathlessly for her design sketches to be transformed to trophy pieces by her crew of expert building technicians. Her book is a definite must for those of us that need the confidence shared with us by authors that are practitioners of what we want-a beautiful home.
   Candice Olson is the Queen of TV Interior Designers!

5 comments about Axel Vervoordt: Timeless Interiors.

1. This is classic beauty. Quiet, vast interiors filled, not with too much gilt and chintz, but a few pieces of wonderful antiques. The best thing about this book is that the rooms never looked decorated. Everything looks as though it grew in place.
   
   Personally, I fell in love with the ocean view and eternity pool on page 79. Amazingly, even the eternity pool doesn't seem too brash and new.
   
   Wonderful designs.



2. I have heard American decorating described as "Cheerful Comfort" which doesn't mean much in the overall scheme of things.
   If the concepts learned from Axel Vervordt were incorporated into American decor we would be the envy of the world. Mr. Vervordt's talent lies in combining the elements of form, time, and substance and lets them breath together to create a pallete of breathless beauty. He is humble in his choices and shares it all with the reader in an effortless way which is the mark of great talent. The photo layouts are exquisite and the text is like a novel. So worthy of a great talent.



3. If you are a fan of Mr Verfoordt's restrained timeless chic, this book is for you. Full of beautiful photographs of the timeless interiors the book was named after, this is a lovely edition that will provide endless inspiration.



4. Simply fabulous. You can hear a pin drop in these hushed interiors. Beautifully presented and photographed. Rush to buy now, dahling!
   Stylemaven



5. A beautiful book with perfect interiors atmospherically lit and framed. The soft half-light does leave me trying to decipher the detail a lot of the time, but I suppose that is not the purpose of these pictures. The interiors are wonderful - sparse, minimal and perfect, with the texture of old wood and stone blending together like a gentle whisper of the passage of time. Truly gorgeous, and a visual delight.
   One of the great pleasures of interior design books is the chance to see private collections in their native settings, and my only regret about this volume is that all the houses are either full of "Axel objects" rather than individually chosen works of art reflecting the taste of the owners (with one sparkling exception full of modern paintings and classical antiquities), or pieces cannot be seen because of the lighting. A small enough sacrifice.

5 comments about Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life As It Should Be.

1. There is no way I could possibly live up to this level of perfection! Colin Cowie makes Martha Stewart look like a slob!
   
   The man is without doubt the apex of style, neatness, class and minimalist perfection and I'm sure that this is the perfect book for those with exacting standards or are looking for a career as a host/party planner or even looking out to be the perfect butler. But for us average Joe's who like things tidy but lived in and perhaps live a little on the underachieving side of things this book was overwhelming.
   
   I not only felt incompetent, dirty and guilty for touching the book, let alone looking at it. I felt I had no right existing on the same planet as this man. Cowie's standards are too high for me.



2. Colin Cowie has some terrific ideas. Though I won't use all of them, I certainly did pick up a few tricks to make life more comfortable for my family, my guests and myself. This is a book well worth reading.



3. Thank yuou for responding so quickly, everything was just great. Best Regards Dr. Breitkopf



4. The Amazon product review was obviously written by a marketing professional who probably works for Mr. Cowie. Cover to cover, this book is nothing more than common sense. The "must-have packing list" is the same as every other packing list you'd read on a travel website or put together yourself from simple logic. The "unbeatable cure for jet lag"? Sleeping pills. The tips on how to treat your guests, co-workers, concierge, etc. are nothing more than saying to treat them the way you'd like to be treated. The "ideas" are completely underwhelming.
   
   If you are complete oaf with no friends and you're not sure why, then this book might shed some light and get you to go clean your bathroom and start being more polite to people. Otherwise, how-to guides by Martha Stewart or Miss Manners are much more helpful and entertaining than this book. I know Colin Cowie is very talented and I expected so much more.



5. Although, I've not read this book entirely but what I've read is great and helpful.

5 comments about Elle Decor So Chic: Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces (Elle Decor).

1. Looking for chic rooms that are inspiring? Ms. Russell does it again. Edited from the pages of her magazine,she puts together a great resource book and/or coffee table topper to give you a brousing escape from our own dreary interiors.



2. I bought this book for a friend who's an interior designer and ended up keeping it myself but of course, ordered another one for her. Why keep it? The book was different to what I expected. This exquisite book covers so many styles, ideas, lifestyles, etc etc it excited me enough to start redecorating my home. I've 'loaned' a couple of ideas from the book, mixed and matched others and am having the best time. 5 stars is well deserved for this absolutely necessary for every home book with it's great ideas. Not forgetting of course the fabulous photography.



3. When I saw the front cover of this book, esp. on Vogue magazine, it was very appealing. They are smart that they picked the best looking interior to feature on their cover. Elle Decor so chic, true, but not for long. You may get a little inspiration and maybe a little wow factor when you first flip through couple of pages, but not for long you will find it that the interiors soon become very similar. It is all the same setup, layout, furniture choices (lots of Chinoiserie and Hollywood Regency), and color schemes. I actually find it much more inspiring to read House and Garden UK version. I've seen too many of these kind of stuff and I am expecting something a little more bold and daring.



4. This is a truly fantastic book. As a designer, I'm always looking for books that are original, with a sense of elegance as well as a sense of humor, and this book has it all. This is a very well-edited, diverse selection of the best that Elle has to offer.



5. This wonderful book clearly presents Margaret Russell's point of view. A couple of the featured interiors are "huh?". Being a subscriber to Elle Decor, I have seen many interesting interiors featured over the years and would have liked to have seen how they narrowed the choices down to these. But overall, it's a wonderful book and worth the moolah.
   Stylemaven

1 comments about Apartment Therapy Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Design Solutions.

1. Apartment Therapy Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Design Solutions by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan is eye candy for those of us interested in home decorating.
   
   In the introduction, Gillingham-Ryan writes: "More than just a physical shelter, the home is both a second skin that protects us from the world outside and an emotional center that nourishes us and supports our innermost dreams. He also writes: "A healthy home will nurture and support you."
   
   I absolutely agree with both statements.
   
   The author believes that: "It's your home--design it for you!"
   
   With that in mind, each apartment has it's own distinct personality and we get to read about the occupants of each apartment.
   
   While I really enjoyed the book, it does lack one thing, which is why I gave the book 4, not 5, stars. It lacks general tips on how to decorate. I recommend Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet as a companion to this book, because it provides hundreds of tips on how to decorate, clear clutter, make your home green, and more.
   
   That said, Apartment Therapy is very inspirational and real. The apartments feel doable and lived in--not like unattainable glossies in the home decorating magazines.
   
   A floor plan and basic information, like square footage, is provided for each apartment which is smart, as photos alone can't convey the layout of a home.
   
   Next, there is a description which includes information on the occupants, their style and more. I enjoyed reading about the people and it made the decorating choices make sense.
   
   Great photographs.
   
   A survey was included for each section and included the following: style, inspiration, favorite element, biggest challenge, biggest embarrassment, biggest challenge, proudest DIY, biggest indulgence, best advice, fream sources. FUN to read.
   
   Each apartment also included resources which is always great if you see something you want.
   
   Real people real stuff.
   
   Next,

5 comments about The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live.

1. The Not So Big House was given me by a craftsman friend who had used it building his new, wonderful home.
   I kept this book through my new addition / remodel project of 7 months, using it as the reference for my decisions.
   The ideas are sound; easy to understand and implement. I recommend The Not So Big House to anyone embarking on a home building project who loves good design and is on a budget.



2. This book was absolutely awesome. Beautifully illustrated, excellent content, and I totally agree with the idea that McMansions are not the way to go. I'd much rather have a smaller home that has been personalized to me and made beautiful than some big, cold half-empty McMansion.



3. I was expecting her projects to downsize to ~1000 square feet. It felt like she was reducing large McMansions to smaller McMansions. Good photographs though!



4. "You can only sit in one chair at a time."
   
   This was a great quote I heard about the unnecessary owning of "American houses" with too much space. In spite of the promise and premise of this book, I found practically NOTHING here to be of real value, outside of some beautiful photographs that one can find in any Home & Garden magazine. I had heard so much about it, a "bestseller" and great reviews, that I went ahead and ordered it; too bad I hadn't seen it in person before I purchased it. One look and it would have been back on the shelf, probably.
   
   The entire book seems to be a short "essay" or "article" that was then illustrated with many unrelated large photos and small diagrams (without dimensions, I might add). The text doesn't match the photos on the same page in many cases, making it very difficult or impossible to read through. The book has been laid out with the photos as the main thing on the page, and text seems to be inserted here and there to fill up any blank space.
   
   I never could really read the book or use it at all since I was constantly trying to figure out "what went with what." I have to agree with another comment that said this book was really just a sales & marketing effort" for her architectural firm. What else could it be? 2,000 sq. ft. is NOT a "not so big house." I won't go into anymore about that, since others have already done it and probably much better than me.
   
   Here's two in particular that I LOVED reading:
   
   Review by "Reginleif II" & reply by "Contented:"
   
   Thank you BOTH so much for your hilarious and exact, on point, review and comments... I was thinking the same thing about this dratted book, wondering why - after reading nothing but "bestseller" and "glowing reviews" what exactly I was missing! Now I know... that outdoor backyard BBQ pit grilling "spotted owls" and more. Of course, I would have to draw the line at "baby seals" (and all the other endangered species you mention) but "tongue in cheek" this one had me laughing so hard I just about fell off the bed!
   
   The whole thing, in fact. Some people would call me a "liberal," but the Bobo factor has always turned me away. Just like "Contented" said, next I too will enjoy googling "Bobos in Paradise." Thanks for an excellent way to end this Happy Thanksgiving weekend.
   
   Honest to God, until I read some of these critiques here on Amazon, I thought I was losing my mind! I didn't see ANYTHING "small" about that house. I build houses and specialize in creating and restoring the most beautiful little houses (by the time I'm done) which are all under 1,000 sq. ft.
   
   The one I'm in right now is 700 sq. ft. and I have a bedroom, office, large bathroom, kitchen, living room, enclosed sun room, porch and deck... the whole house is like "living in my garden" with sunlight streaming in at all hours of the day. It's really amazing, as I used to have 3,000 sq. ft. and it took a full-time cleaning lady. Now I can do it in about an hour, and I still have just about everything I need.
   
   I also have three storage sheds, to which I've added French doors and used them as long windows on one entire side of the sheds, so they are filled with light and could be a real studio or workroom. Now that's what I call "not so big."
   
   Heck, I had a friend and his girlfriend living in one of the sheds which was fixed up as a little cabin, even had a porta-potty inside, queen bed, shelving, pull out couch, TV, microwave, 10 ft x16 ft (160 sq. ft) w/deck, and they had everything THEY needed. And I DON'T live in California, but an hour outside of Raleigh out in the country (where the author Sarah Susanka lives).
   
   Now that's what I call "living well in small spaces." If you have a beautiful garden, you really "live" outdoors, even if it's just looking out your window. The house is really just a space for a few functions, and the total ENVIRONMENT is what counts. The way the light falls into the room, seeing the moon and stars overhead outside your bedroom window; sitting outside on a small deck or balcony and drying off in a robe or towel... fountains, walkways, park benches, blooming trees, shrubs and flower beds... and a beautiful place to work, cook and sleep indoors; what more do you need? That's the way I, and most people I know, "really live." In the workroom or bedroom or in front of the TV or computer. When you get down to it, none of those spaces take up very much space.
   
   Counting the view of the garden as "living space" really stretches your living AREA just by looking out French doors and windows. If you have hard paving (wood, brick, concrete, flagstone etc.) outdoors with walkways that go all around the house, the garden suddenly becomes magically accessible, and you will find yourself outside a lot more of the time. Who needs a big or "not so big" house if you can go outdoors? Even if you are indoors, adding double windows to walls and glass paned French doors extends your site line to the edge of the property or a line of screen hedges or trees, which doubles or triples the "feel" of the space you are inhabiting. It's really pretty marvelous, and this book does not address any of this.
   
   Sight lines from inside the house mean more to the design of a structure than just the floorplan and arrangement of squares or rectangles we call "rooms." You are just moving from one box to another. It's like living in a maze, and you can hardly find your way out. Every house should be sited on it's own lot, with doors, windows, entrance and exits designed to take the entire property into account. Making sure to put in upstairs windows that allow vistas of the trees and surrounding properties changes everything; it's like "living in the trees" and enjoying the fall color and the Spring blush. It changes everything. Being able to enjoy the whole world" at your fingertips and eyesight, and hearing bird songs in the morning means a lot more than simple "square footage," no matter how much you do or don't have.
   
   At least this is how I design and built all the little cottages I have done, and they all seem to be just perfect for one or two people, or small families without too many kids. Adding children of course changes things somewhat, but that's another discussion.
   
   By the way, I'm a contractor, landscaper and computer programmer, and I get more conservative with each passing year. Oh, My God. Am I turning into my parents?
   
   Thanks again to the reviewers and commentators that saw this thing in the same light I did. Made me feel "sane" again after all the b.s. in the book. Now, what do I do with it now that I purchased it? Donate it to the library? Didn't make any sense to me...
   
   Now to find a real book on "small spaces" or write one of my own. Any suggestions?



5. I came across this book while looking for ideas for a major renovation, and it sure gave me some. It was by far the most helpful of all the books I uncovered, and I only wish I'd found it earlier in the design process. The author has an overall philosophy -- save by cutting back on space, and spend what you save on pleasing and efficient detail. She elaborates that philosophy with many smaller ideas and concepts. She discusses and illustrates the aesthetic principles that make an environment pleasing to the senses, and she addresses conrete design problems like how to provide for TV viewing. The kitchen counter or family dining area in a Susanka house is not cluttered with magazines and bills, for example, because she sees a mail-sorting area as one of the functional necessities that must be provided for in a well-designed house of today, and therefore just as necessary as an eating area.
   
   This is the first of a whole suite of books Susanka has written on the not so big house. There is a certain amount of repetition in them, for sure, but she develops her themes more fully through all of them and I enjoyed them all. I was not very knowledgeable when I started, and more sophisticated readers might not find the book as helpful and exciting as I did, but I recommend it wholeheartedly to the average person who wants a homebuilding project to turn out well and isn't quite sure how to make it so.

5 comments about Inside the Not So Big House: Discovering the Details that Bring a Home to Life (Susanka).

1. This is one of my favorite books. I love Susanka's style - modern, but also friendly and warm. The layout of the book is excellent too, lots of photos with helpful annotations.



2. Absoultely amazing insight ....worth every penny; the quality of the photos alone will justify the purchase....it will be the single best expenditure that you can make in building a new home or remodeling an existing area. Makes things so clear that everyone will get it. They say "You don't know what you don't know"....after reading this book and her others in a series....you will know what you did not know that you did not know...Just buy the book and you will understand what I am saying



3. I bought and then gutted a 1960s, three-story, 3,700 SF office building. Serving as my own architect and general contractor, I completed the two lower floors as offices for my professional engineering firm. I then turned my attention to converting the third floor into a luxury two-bedroom apartment.
   
   Although my original intent was to make the apartment a rental space, family circumstances of a regrettable but common kind will soon require me to make the apartment my own residence. With the floor plans nearly completed, I realized that the "oh my God" reaction from first-time visitors that I was seeking required great attention to detail.
   
   During the design of the office portions, I had studied about a dozen design books from Amazon and now wanted resources for the architectural details of the apartment. (Architectural details include windows and doors, floor, ceiling, and wall finishes, cabinetry, molding and other millwork.) With architectural details well done, the apartment or home looks inviting and interesting even before furnishings and decorator items are added.
   
   This book was the third to arrive of the ten I ordered so far. The first two were entirely forgettable, but this one yielded a dozen good ideas.
   
   The 210-page book has a chapter for each of twenty-three projects, each by a different architect. Most projects were renovations of a home of 1,200 - 2,100 SF. Architectural interior detail styles range from craftsman and usonian, to contemporary and gentle modern. Each project is notable more for the interior design details than for the building exterior or site.
   
   My favorite, but not my only source of ideas, was a Block Island cottage by the Newport architect, James Estes. My apartment, located at a charming 1900-vintage village center of a NYC suburb is 15 miles from the nearest salt water, but the quiet serenity and color palettes of an ocean-front cottage had been in my mind as an organizing concept for some time. No matter that the large band of windows on the east end overlook a parking lot instead of beach and ocean.
   
   The Amazon listing shows the cover photo, a project not to my liking. You can page through the other pages available on Amazon for other samples. Note the excellent color photography and the expert and well written commentary of Sarah Susanka, the principal author of the many volumes of the Not So Big House series. Co-author Marc Vassallo is an architect, and he now writes fulltime, including fiction.



4. I am hooked on Susanka's books describing how to give our homes more of the character found in 50+ and older homes. I'm hoping to build using some of the detailing she explains, instead of having to buy an old house and renovate, in order to get a cozy, unique and homey dwelling.



5. This is exactly the type of architecture that everyone should use in these days of 'excess'. Highly recommended as a source of ideas whether building or remodelling!

5 comments about Casa San Miguel: Inspired Design and Decorations.

1. This is a very nice book on the homes of San Miguel. I'd recommend to anyone who loves Spanish, or for that matter, any kind of old, rustic design.



2. lovely lovely book if you are into this topic. Really enjoyed it and inspired from it.



3. Just arrived from San Miguel de Allende couldn't help but buying this book expecting to see some of the fine interiors I had the chance to visit there.
   Having known Tim Street-Porter's previous and impeccable photographic works in Mexico (Casa Mexicana, Casa Mexicana Estilo) I couldn't wait to have this book in my hands.
   
   But... wow, I was somehow dissaponted.
   To be honest, the part of it regarding the city was interesting but the houses selected for the job wasn't as colorful and "mexican" as I expected.
   Once again, it's not the photograph work (which is excellent) but the houses selected.
   
   For some reason american writers tend to contact american owners instead of mexican and sometimes the result isn't as genuine as you would like to see. Sometimes what you see is a second-hand version of a mexican interior.
   On the other hand there are many americans living there.
   
   Such a beautiful city, I would like to see a second version of this book, with a more "mexican" accent.



4. It was interesting to find a little controversy among the submitted reviews, and that alone was reason for me to immediately purchase CASA SAN MIGUEL. With my own copy in hand, I soon discovered houses, interiors and gardens not previously photographed---yet another reason to buy this book. It is a quieter palette found here, drawing from historic churches, weathered haciendas, and authentic materials. For me, CASA SAN MIGUEL is more of a lovely whisper rather than a Viva Mexico shout, and a welcome addition to my design library. Submitted by Debra Hall.



5. I really enjoyed this book because it doesn't focus on the glory of the house so much as it does on the style of mexican design done tastefully. If you are familiar with Mexican architecture and design, the quality this book brings to the table is hard to come by.
   
   This book is an excellent addition to my collection of decoration books yet a unique one as it's focus is not so much on the fantasy of these gorgeous houses as it is on their amazing contemporary, colonial design.

5 comments about The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palettes for Designing Home Interiors.

1. I didn't find this book to be very useful. It's got a lot of color schemes, but for some reason I didn't really like any of them. Why, I don't know, but there you have it.



2. This is a must have tool for upcoming interior designers or ID students. It is so easy to use and great color combos!! It helps take the guess work out of wondering if this color goes with that color. It would also be great for anyone redesigning or building a home--for the do-it-yourself homeowner. It also gives you suggestions for which rooms that a certain scheme would work the best. Great book...will keep it in my collection for years to come!



3. I just got this book today and I'm on my second spin thru it. What I've come to realize is that I'd find it so much more helpful if the book included pics of rooms w/the actual colors in each palette.
   
   Otherwise, it's okay. I probably wouldn't have paid $20 for it if I'd been able to flip thru it first at a bookstore.



4. I bought this at the same time as Perfect Palettes for Painting Rooms: Plus Complete Decorating Guidelines so I could see colors as swatches and as decorated rooms. I am definitely "color impaired" and this has been very helpful. Recommended highly as a pair.



5. I bought several books trying to help me get my home decorated in my style, but not really knowing my style. I have never really had enough money to decorate a home before so after 10 + years of marriage, I wanted this home to show a bit of my personality. This was the key ingredient I needed to spark my imagination. The color combinations really do have emotions that are triggered and helped me to find the right colors for the moods I want in my home.
   
   One fair warning, after reading this, you may end up wanting to go with colored trim. We are learning quick, changing your trim color is either time consuming (if you are a diy) or expensive (if you hire it done). But so far it has been worth it; the colors really play off each other. Even one of the painters I had give me a bid wants a copy of Color Scheme Bible.
   
   The other decorating books will end up more of coffee table items for looking, but not very helpful. You can't copy someone else's style when you know you have your own. It just helps to have something to spark that style, and since I didn't have a treasured fabric or plate or something that designers like to use, I had to use this Bible.
   
   My English written book came with several pages in German, though. Hopefully, they have resolved that problem. But I wasn't willing to part with it long enough to return it and wait for a new one to be sent, it has been a well used resource for my new home.