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 Houses: Inside and Out.

1. I had seen this book in a bookstore and so I knew what I was getting. It's a good read and the pictures are lovely and interesting. If you like these kind of books, I think you'll like this one.



2. Ms. Gomez's style is timeless, classic. I enjoyed reading this book (in addition to the beautiful photos.) In my mind, she captures in words a great sense of how a house should "feel" in addition to how it "looks". I also appreciated her articulation of the necessary relationship between all of the parts that make up a home (the rooms, porch, landscaping, pool, etc.)



3. 'Houses Inside and Out' is an excellent companion book to 'Rooms' also by Mariette Himes Gomez. I was a Gomez fan prior to her first book, 'Rooms', which I think is one of the most useful interior design books available.
   
   'Houses inside and Out' features Gomez's understanding of a house being more than its interior. The book chronicles the harmony found in thoughtful design from the ground up. I like the photographs for their visual detail and because they showcase good design in collaboration with good architecture in environments suiting the homes. They also showcase Gomez's artful arrangement of shapes and forms in the volumes of the homes she designs within.
   
   I reviewed 'Rooms' when it first came out and was followed by a review alluding to my being in the publisher's camp. Not the case, but as a fan of Gomez, I still sticky-note my issues of 'Architectural Digest' whenever a Gomez interior is featured.
   
   Gomez's second book is a good read like her first. I'll refer to 'Houses Inside and Out' (as I do with 'Rooms') for useful inspiration and when the company of a good interior design books beckons me. Gomez's writing style is refreshingly open and steeped in designer wisdom. I enjoy absorbing her thoughtful approaches to color choices, furniture groupings, scale and texture and placement of art and accessories. 'Houses Inside and Out' is a delightful complement to my collection of interior design, architecture and landscape design books.



4. Beautiful photography of gorgeous interiors & useful, informative text on decorating, illustrating how interiors can be gorgeous, functional and practical at the same time. Also looks at starting out buying and decorating your first home. Not terribly oversized like some recent decorating books - compact & neat looking. All color & good quality glossy paper used. The cover is seductive because it makes you feel as if you're being invited into that house! And the cover is just the beginning - the rest of the book is just as tempting!



5. While the tailored, architecture-friendly interiors by Ms Himes Gomez are not objectionable, they are not particularly inspirational either. It is the houses themselves that are the attraction of this book; all are wonderful works by architects in practice today. Rather than a decorating book to showcase the author's work, it would have been more successful if it had emphasized the architecture and shown the decorator's approach to completing the vision. But recommended for all who appreciate fine residential architecture.

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

1. I love this book. It's just what I was looking for...a book that put together color schemes as opposed to the standard color rooms with white trim. More photos would have been even better.



2. Ever gone to a paint store, and stood there goggling at all the hundreds and hundreds of choices, totally unable to decide?
   
   Here is a book to help you.
   
   Starmer arranges the book in chapters about color. In the chapter on red, she lists everything from cranberry and magenta to antique pink and coral. Then, and this is what is so useful, under each individual color she shows two colors chosen to match the main color perfectly, plus two other minor colors to use as accents. In addition, she talks about whether the colors lean towards soothing or drama, and whether they work best in linen or silk. Talk about making things easy.



3. 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.



4. 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!



5. 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.

5 comments about Atomic Ranch: Design Ideas for Stylish Ranch Homes.

1. Good book with lots of interior and exterior pictures of houses. Only improvement would be more mod accessories shown, but overall I would recommend.



2. God Bless the folks at Atomic Ranch! I have been a subscriber to the Magazine for over 2 years now and have been dying to get the book. Finally, after a couple of strong hints, my wife got it for me for my birthday.
   This book is chock full of beautiful photographs of incredible mid-century masterpieces. Some are preserved, some restored, and some modernized.
   If this is your thing, (and I doubt you'd be reading these reviews if it wasn't)then this is the book you want. I've gambled on a few other books covering ranch homes, and none of them come close to this book. BUY IT!



3. Very nice book with lots of great photos they are mostly a collection from the magazine but worth having if you are into MCM.



4. I love this book! The author's magazine (of the same name) is awesome and this book covers homes from the early issues which are no longer available (issues, not homes). I love seeing the beautiful interiors and exteriors of modest size homes which most people consider beneath their notice because they aren't historically "old enough" or architecturally significant.
   
   I have learned a lot about mid-century modern homes from reading this book. The photos are great and the book is very informative.
   
   If you live in a plain ranch home, and enjoy a streamlined style of living, then I highly suggest you get this book. It is full of practical tips and resources.



5. I love this book!! I live in an "Atomic Ranch" and this book covers the subject very well. Not only are the pictures great, the text is informative. I also subscribe to Atomic Ranch Magazine published by the same authors. If you are a fan of this genre, both are highly recommended!

5 comments about Decorating Idea Book (Idea Books).

1. This book is a visual feast for the eyes. The pictures are warm and inviting. The author really knows how to put rooms together and gives you wonderful examples to follow. A good book for anyone interested in interior decorating/design. Plus, it's a lovely enough book to use as a coffee table book.



2. This book is an excellent resource, filled with creative and beautiful ideas for improving your home interior's appearance. Helps the reader see interesting ways they can apply her ideas to refresh the visual design of their rooms. Very creative and inspiring, but useful and do-able ideas. Good job, Heather!



3. There are so many ideas in this book that I've dogeared nearly every page, and my friends and coworkers will have to buy their own copies because I'm tired of lending it out!



4. My Decorating Idea Book has given me many ideas and good tips. It's on loan right now to a friend who just bought a house and is moving in! I will hopefully build later in the year, but I want to know what I want before I begin. This book has the information and pictures I need to help me make decisions! I like it!



5. I am currently pursuing a correspondence course in interior decorating and thought this book would help to augment my course materials. Well, my expectations were far exceeded, this book takes you step by step through the elements of design i.e. pattern, texture, scale,color, etc. Next, it outlines each area of home decorating with examples and suggestions, including great photos. Next, it takes you through each type of room and explains the purpose and the main considerations for decorating it. Great suggestions, examples!! I do not regret this buy.

5 comments about Inspirations from France & Italy.

1. This book gave me great ideas for decorating my home. I look through it periodically just to see if I've missed something, and I always pick up something. I recommend it if your into decorating French or Italian style.



2. Betty Lou Phillips has done it again. This a a lovely book, rich with photographs of the most stunning homes. What I took away was the feeling of light. The windows in most of the rooms were huge, and they gave every room a sense of the outdoors, of light and air and space. Very charming. What added to the impression of relaxation, light and air, was that the colors in the room were so often pale. There were no pieces of furniture that screamed, only soothing colors and comfortable spaces.
   
   I have no idea who invented small, stubby windows, but every tract home in American has plenty of them--and it's too bad.



3. I love Betty Lou Phillips' books...I have every one...but this one is just okay. Normally she has some of the most clever "out of the box" styling ideas I have ever seen, but that is not what I saw in this book. However, if you want some great design books collect all her others...you won't be disappointed.



4. As an interior designer I have collected, and review often, all of Ms.Phillips' previous books.
   For me, INSPIRATIONS FROM FRANCE AND ITALY is the most spectacular of them all.
   It is an irresistable voyage through beautiful gardens and interiors.
   A feast for the eyes.
   The dazzling photographs bring to life interiors and exteriors that are both inspiring and transporting.
   I am anxiously awaiting Betty Lou's next fabulous complilation of beauty, style and inspiration.
   Taylor Lee
   San Francisco CA



5. This is the best book yet in a very interesting series. The illustrations, easy to understand and helpful captions and the historically interesting and practical text combine to make this a welcome guide and reference. Best of all, it describes the kind of home and furnishings most men should love. It is not foo-foo French. It is fun French, with a little Italian flavor thrown in for excitement. Every man should buy this book for his wife or equivalent in the hopes that some day he might enjoy living in such an enjoyable setting.

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

1. This excellent book provides an abundance of examples for those of us who live in hot, dry climates like that of San Miguel de Allende. It was exactly what I was looking for to guide me with successful examples as I plan the renovation of the exterior, patio, and gardens of an older Arizona house.
   
   I also found it *much* more useful (and attractive) than the Santa Fe design books I have seen, which focused on mostly rather ugly modern designs (not like those depicted on their covers). The designs in this books are traditional yet innovative.



2. I was so happy to see a book about SMA. But was distracted by constant references to Casa Midy. Otherwise a delight.



3. 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.



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



5. 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.

No comments about Charles Faudree Interiors.

5 comments about Apartment Therapy: The Eight-Step Home Cure.

1. The author and his family famously live in a 250-square-foot apartment, and the Apartment Therapy blog often focuses on making the most out of tiny spaces, so I was expecting more of a small-space orientation in the book. Unfortunately, most of the concrete examples given were of people whose spacious 2-bedroom/living/dining apartments had sweeping views of the Hudson River just waiting to be spotlighted. I guess people who live in cramped studios can't afford to hire decorators, but it was a disappointment not to have any examples I could identify with.
   
   That said, the book is more of an introduction to design philosophy than a practical guide, and on that level it succeeds very well. I particularly liked the section on how to choose colors if you are a completely non-visual person.



2. Libro muy interesante y de gran ayuda para actualizar la casa y vivir más cómodo y más feliz.



3. I simply can't recommend this book enough. I had wanted this book for awhile and my fiance finally purchased it for my birthday. What started out as an "I'll casually read this book" turned into a project that the both of us took on to completely redo and clean out our apartment. After finishing reading the book we were left with a gorgeous apartment, a lot less junk and a clearer way to think if we really need all that 'stuff'.



4. I haven't even read this book yet, but I bought it for a gift and have just received it. Without having read it - just know, there are no pictures! It is printed on that cheap kind of paper, not glossy white. I thought it was going to be the type of book that is filled with great sample images of cool designs. Its probably not worth the effort returning it, but I don't think I will bother giving it as a gift.
   
   By the way, I bought this book because I love the AT website. It didnt live up, I should have gave it less stars.



5. While I didn't dislike the book with quite the venom of other reviewers, I do understand their frustrations. I did find the tone a little off-putting, but I decided to put those feeling aside and see if the book had anything useful to offer.
   
   It does and it doesn't. Like many design/decorating book it suffers from a lack of realistic understanding of its audience. Let's face it, anyone seeking design advice and is only ponying up 14 bucks, probably isn't the same kind of person who would spend 3000.00 on a couch.
   
   still there is some excellent advice for clearing cluttering and making your home more of a refuge. And for the people that didn't enjoy the book, you can just toss it, sell it or give it away (which is what the author recommending doing with books you don't love.)
   
   Bottom line: it can get you motivated to live more simply and if you can ignore the classist attitudes about what kind of decor best suits a home and how NYC centric the book is you might be able to find a few bits of advice worth taking.

5 comments about Design Directory of Window Treatments, The.

1. Clear illustrations. I think about every type of window treatment is covered. Can help maximize sales with customers. A must have for all Drapery Professionals and Designers. No more misunderstandings between customer and designers. Can hardly wait for Jackie's NEW bedcovering book to come out next year. I will be one of the first to buy it.



2. I am an interior designer with a start up company. The Design Directory of Window Treatments is an absolute much- this is an invaluable tool to someone who really needs assistance with window treatments. The CD is also a great tool. I could not be happier with my purchase!



3. Fabulous! Most comprhensive in the window covering industry. Which does make it large and heavy. Highly recommend this book



4. Fast and simple, my title says it all. The book is well worth the cost, with wonderful sketches and terrific organization.



5. This is a great source for interior designers, decorators or for Professional Workrooms. Any window treatment imaginable is available for the customer to view. Definitely a good investment.