2 comments about Lighting Design Basics.

1. If you are looking for a beginner lighting course, this books is just what you need. It goes through lighting applications per room/area, explains how to calculate foot candles, but if you want to read more about lighting plans, layouts, electrical requirements.....I would say - keep looking.
   
   This is a good quick resource with little technical detail.



2. This book is great for designers! It covers everything you need to know and has some great ways for doing calculations for lighting!

2 comments about The House Always Wins: Americas Most Trusted Home Columnists Guide to Creating Your (Almost) Perfect Dream House.

1. This is the book you will wish you had written. Haven't we all felt like we were in the Tom Hanks movie 'The Money Pit' a time or two when trying to dress our nest?
   
   Marni Jameson takes you through her journey of learning how to find your true style, develop a workable (and affordable) plan of action, and, most importantly, how to both learn from AND laugh at your mistakes.
   You'll cry from laughing and commiserating with her over things that you may have experienced in your quests...but you'll also gain the confidence to get going again.
   
   From yard sale finds to antique stores, close-outs, cast-offs, and special orders...won't it feel good to do it right next time? Or at least be able to have a glass of wine and laugh over your follies? The best part is that Marni infuses the laughs with specific help to make your next attempt a success.
   
   You'll learn why "it never looks as good as in the magazine" but why that is actually A-OK! You'll learn that everyone makes the "cheapskate" mistakes and has contractor "issues" now and then. You'll get some great ideas from Marni...to help you find your OWN ideas. Brilliant concept!
   
   You will enjoy this book and I predict you will see yourself and others in it. In fact, I predict, like me, you'll order a few more copies for those buddettes of yours. Go ahead...make their day!



2. What a wonderful, witty, informative and engaging book. There is something for everyone within the covers of this book. It takes you from the very earliest stages of decorating your home to the completed look without the expense of a decorator, all done with a wonderful sense of humor describing the perils we have all experienced. If you have ever had to deal with contractors, painters, no-shows, budgets and calamaties here is the help we all need to prevent those costly mistakes. I loved the feeling of familiarity with the experiences of the author and had many a laugh along the way. I can think of no better way to chart a course to a warm, personal touch in my home than to use this book as my decorating bible.

5 comments about Domicilium Decoratus.

1. This book really is gorgeous. Of course, most of the style and emotion in this book was appropriated from design much earlier in the century, and books on this movement are cheap and plentiful in thrift stores. However, it is really nice to be able to see what life would be like if you were a playboy playmate and married to a real-estate tycoon. I am really not trying to put Kelly down, because her vision is mind-bendingly impeccable. It is truly rare when people with wealth also have taste.



2. As a practicing, professional Interior Designer I have to say I found Domicilium Decoratus inspiring. Being exposed to all types of design, I love it when I am actually left remembering a house...and this one is hard to forget. Although Kelly's style is not my particular taste, the house is full of beautiful color combinations, architectural details, and antiques. I would have to compare this book to looking at a Picasso--you either get it or you don't. If you are looking for a how to book, this is not the book for you. There is no text like in her first book--Your eyes have to do all the work spotting the curious, imaginative details. This is a living art book. If you want to view some images of her home before you buy the book go to her website and Hillcrest estate is under her residential projects.



3. Kelly Wearstler is undoubtedly one of the great interior designers of our time. Her style may be too much for most, and her critics pan her for her ego-centric couture gown wearing, but she has an incredible eye for style. She has managed to create a sophisticated home that is visually arresting, textured and comfortable. No, it may not be toddler safe, as she claims, but who's is?
   Kelly Wearstler appears to live a perfect life, a globally renowned and successful interior design business, a wealthy property developer husband (who happens to throw a few projects her way), two beautiful children and a gorgeous home full of antiques and art that is a wonderful backdrop to her all-round fabulous lifestyle.
   She may not have created the style she has made so popular (see Tony Duquette, David Hicks, Billy Haines or Dorothy Draper), but her almost single-handed revival of a myriad of styles that are as far flung from minimalism as I care to think about has brought a smile to the face of all us maximalists around the world.
   I won't dwell on how disappointed I was to find out she was a playboy playmate in a previous incarnation, but it has not changed my view of her talent.
   Domicilium Decoratus is a beautifully produced book full of gorgeous photos of Kelly, her children and her home. I can't wait to see how her new home turns out!



4. I wish I had have taken notice of the other reviews. I loved Kelly's first book and found it very useful, however this book is entirely over-rated and I'm so pleased I didn't pay full price for it. There is absolutely no text in the book - just pictures from Kelly's house showcasing her furniture and herself and none of them look at all practical for everyday living. Save your money for the many other fantastic books on offer.



5. I'm so glad that I didn't pay full price for this book. The Hillcrest Estate is grand and refreshingly unique; however, I have to laugh at the kid safe reference. As a mom of two young kids, I'm constantly looking for sophisticated kid-friendly decorating. I was thrilled when Kelly, herself,refers to her home as "toddler-safe and visually sophisticated". Huh?!? This home is about as warm and toddler safe as a museum. There are only a few pages dedicated to the kids rooms and only one plastic toy visible. Also, any pool fence?

3 comments about House Beautiful 500 Sensational Ways to Create Your Ideal Home (House Beautiful).

1. This is a fantastic source book of over 450 pages of photographs to inspire even he weariest of decorators! Divided into seven photographic chapters of finished room decorating styles ranging from "The Welcoming Home" to "Comfortable Haven" each chapter of photograghs is strucured into Living Spaces; Kichens; Libraries, Dens & Offices; Bedrooms; Bathrooms and finally Outdoor Rooms and Sunrooms. If you love house Beautiful Magazine you will love this Book.



2. I found this to be a good source for inspiration with very good quality photos. This is a small landscape oriented book - meaning - it is like a large landscape proportioned photo. This is not a large coffee table book...just so you know. The book is well divided into different sections and there are many styles to offer design inspiration. As is often the case with House Beautiful in my opinion - things can be very overdone. With this book it happens less than in other HB books that I have found to be WAY over the top with things everywhere. I really like this book alot and enjoy looking through it. Unlike other decorating books that either overwhelm the senses or have too little I find this is just right. One problem is that once you find your decorating style the book goes on to another style or another section altogether. This is a summary type book to give a hint of inspiration but after that you will need to get a more style specific book. All in all a great source of ideas.



3. This book has beautiful photographs of lovely interiors. But don't look for reasonable suggestions for decorating your home unless commissioning a mural and papering the walls with handpainted wallpaper are within your budget. If those options are in your budget, you will probably hire an interior decorator rather than use this book.

5 comments about Country Kitchens.

1. I bought this book in the early 1990's, therefore, I'm almost sure that the copyright on this book (ie: 2007) is for the "reprint" of this original 1990's book.
   
   Still, in the 1990's this book was ahead of it's time, so if you are interested in a nice picture book of beautiful country kitchens, this is a nice book for your library. In my opinion, this is not really a "how to" kitchen remodeling book, but rather, a book with wonderfully photographed ideas for your country-style kitchen. The ideas are classic and hold up well , even in 2007.



2. Fabulous is the word! I think I look at this book at least 10 times, and everytime brought me something I didn't see the previous times, because my eyes weren't wide enough to see all the details! If you loved, I mean really love country, you will love this book. It will become a good reference for good ideas for your kitchen.
   I think it is one of my favorite book in my whole collection of books! Give me some more like this one and I will surely buy them!
   Margot
   Quebec city, Canada



3. Beautiful book, great ideas for anyone who wants to create a country feel in their kitchen. Photographs are absolutely lovely.



4. This is one of the most beautiful books I own. Not cutesy-country, but warm, genuine, earthy places where you'd love to spend time. I reread this about twice a year.



5. The photography in this magazine-sized paperback is "yummy" It is very easy to see onesself sitting at any of the kitchens photographed, reading a great book, with a warm fire in the hearth. You can dream through such styles of kitchens as: American, French, Spanish, Italian, or English. There are specific chapter devoted to the hearth, ranges and stoves, sinks and drainers, tables and chairs, as well as storage. If that weren't enough, the back of the book offers soup, spreads, stews, rice, pasta, etc. recipes!! And if you want your food in your dream kitchen to be healthy, the last section is about the kitchen garden. What more could one ask except that this book be longer with MORE photos!

5 comments about The New Southwest Home: Innovative Ideas for Every Room.

1. There are a lot of photos and ideas that are easy to duplicate. Enjoyed the book.



2. I have enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to others who are interested in the SW style.



3. The photo's are wonderful especially if you're looking for ideas to decorate your house in southwestern style. That's what I am doing and I actually got some great inspiration from many of the photo's. I'll be honest, I bought it for the great photos and decorating ideas and I haven't actually read any of the text!



4. Moving from Florida to New Mexico is a learning experience. Styles of homes and furnishings are very different as one might expect in leaving the tropics for the desert.
   This book gave me beautiful pictures to help in the transition and build a home with style. I highly recommend it for beautiful concepts in decorating and design and those who desire pictures to get creative juices flowing!



5. I love other people's homes because I get decorating tips, art suggestions, perhaps color ideas and room layout pointers for furniture. I also like other people's homes because I'm curious and I want to see where they live.
   
   Shortly after our departure from Minnesota for the long, cold winter and our arrival in Arizona for the balmy sunshine, The New Southwest Home by Suzanne Picket Martinson arrived for review. It couldn't have been a more fortuitous arrival since, after five years in our current home, we are considering a move.
   
   The New Southwest Home is a simply scrumptious book packed with room-by-room tours of stunning and uniquely innovative contemporary and traditional homes that marry style with environment. Whether you're looking for larger windows, unencumbered by coverings, to view the mountains, monastery front doors that signify strength and durability, or a traditional beehive fireplace for cozy warmth, there is something for everyone.
   
   And since the Southwest conjures up visions of warm, neutral earth and desert colors there are many ideas, using that color palette, for the reader to experiment with. From the entryway where guests are invited in, to the heart of the home, the kitchen, and all rooms in between, there is beauty, ideas galore and a sense that Southwest living is a collaboration of beauty and function. The photographs are exceptional and add to the flavor and enjoyment of paging through the book, just for fun or for ideas for your own home.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: The southwest style can be transported anywhere. It's not just for the southwest. Isn't that a fun thought?
   
   

5 comments about Bali Houses: New Wave Asian Architecture and Design.

1. A beautiful book well balanced in terms of text and pictures. The quality of the pictures is second to none. Compared to other books about Balinese style mostly focused on interiors, this one captures not only the essence of the interiors but also open spaces and gardens.



2. Great photography and awesome scenarios. It really brings the feeling of being in Bali. And the decorations show the artistic side of the new interiors of the open living. It inspires my clients when they come inside my furniture store. Of the books I have from Bali, this is certainly the one with the best pictures!



3. Being a Decorator, this comes in handy for clients who like the look of the Tropics. It's a complete book of ideas, design strategies, and an overall look into another world of comfortable, colorful, Paradise influence to bring a little joy to the reader.



4. This is a genuinely fine book. The photographs are spectacular, with fine color and resolution.
   The text isn't too in-depth about houses in Bali, but the pictures speak for themselves.
   I wholeheartedly recommend it, got me?



5. Good overall but not as informative as Bali Modern another book by same author. PHotography excellent.

No comments about Patterns 2: Design, Art and Architecture.

4 comments about Provencal Escapes: Inspirational Homes In Provence And The Cote D'azur.

1. This book has given me many ideas for my own provencal escape in the country and takes me to a place in my mind that makes me feel calm.
   This is a special book.



2. A nice inspiration source for charming, rustic country french design. I wanted more out of the book though - perhaps photos of full rooms rather than vignettes of tables and kitchen counters. It makes it hard to get a sense of design style without a full room effect in my opinion. The book does ooze charm and if you have other books on this style and just want a little extra something this would be ok. If however you really need a good book to learn all about french country style I would not suggest this one.



3. This book oozes with charm! The homes featured in this book are very old and beautifully brought back to life by its owners while respecting the history and integrity of these buildings. The title "Provencal Escapes" is appropriate since this book lets you escape into a dreamy and ancient world of Provence. The photos are gorgeous and you feel that you are actually walking through some of these homes. This book is a must for any fan of Provence or just of beautiful escapes. I highly recommend it!



4. This magnificant book consists of photographic studies of some 22 homes in the Provence and Cote d'Azur regions of France. These homes are primarily older (as much as 300 years) that have been seriously redecorated to make them into jewels of plesant styling.
   
   For the most part, the redecoration of the homes has been to retain (or return to) the styling of the time they were built. Magnificant old beams show off well with modern appliances and decorations. The traditional outside of the houses hides the modern interiors. The original builders could not have imagined things we take for granted such as electricity that now has been fitted into their houses.
   
   Redoing an old house is easily as expensive as modern construction, so these houses have not been done for cost savings but for other reasons like living in a part of history.
   
   While this book concentrates on this region of France, many of the techniques used in these houses could well be applied to houses in the United States where old houses be they farm or city center can be made into something unique and wonderful.

5 comments about Digital Drawing for Designers: A Visual Guide to AutoCAD.

1. Have you ever taken notes in class, which made perfect sense in the classroom setting watching the teacher demostrate a command, only to get home and try to recreate the steps to no avail?
   This book is so helpful in that the commands are so clearly laid out in a visual, easy to understand manner. Since graduating from school, I have continued to pick this book up as a helpful resource to refresh my cad skills on numerous occasions. The answers have been there ever time.



2. Great Book !!...no nonsense, step by step guide that uses conventional drafting methods and reference diagrams to explain what you NEED to know with out all of the ultra technical junk found in most CAD text. It provides the reader with the information needed to work in a REAL office in the REAL world.



3. Whether you're still in school or out in the work force, this book is a must-have resource for designers who may need a refresher course in CAD from time to time. The easy-to-read graphics, thorough index and step-by-step instructions allow both experienced users and/or newcomers to navigate successfully through the CAD program.



4. AutoCAD is clearly the industry standard computer aided design software. If you type AutoCad into the search engine at Amazon you get 4,306 books about it. How do you possibly pick one out of this many. Or perhaps a better question is why pick this one.
   
   First, this book is specifically oriented to architects and interior designers. That's what the examples show, that's the terminology used. You are not looking at gears or airplane wings.
   
   Second, this book is aimed at the beginner. It starts with comparing AutoCad to conventional paper and T-Square drafting. It compares AutoCAD commands to common drafting implements like a pencil or compass.
   
   Third, it is rather independent of the AutoCAD version. The concepts being taught here are the basic ones, so you can use the book with whatever version you have.
   
   Fourth, it is a very visually oriented book. It has you quickly working on drawings, showing you in illustrations what you should be seeing on the screen.
   
   Fifth, as a basis for starting your drawings the companion web site for the book has perhaps as much information as is contained in the book.
   
   Conclusion. This is an excellent book to use to get started with AutoCAD, especially for architects and interior designers.



5. Clear illustrations and easy to follow step-by-step instructions make it easy to master AutoCAD commands with this book. Often, a single page covers an entire command (in words and illustrations) which makes it easy to learn the first time or refresh my memory.
   
   I'm glad I found an AutoCAD book that does not require me to be a programmer to learn this software. I'll keep this one next to my computer for quick reference.