5 comments about Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models & Presentation Techniques, Second Edition.

1. Wonderful illustrations for you to use as a guide when creating your own drawings, and presentation models. I've been able to refer to examples from this book when I've hit a rock trying to create my drawings and model spaces.



2. I gave this book as a gift, but the recipient (a new interior design student) was very pleased with it. Also had the book shipped directly to the recipient (to make it in time for Christmas). It was received in good shape in a timely fashion. So while I've yet to see the book myself -- the gift review in conjunction with other buyers' reviews makes me think it's a great purchase!



3. This book helped me tremendously with getting my senior project portfolio ready. It goes into detail about presentation methods, mounting, layouts, ideas for portfolio covers etc.
   
   I would like to see another version of this book being published..in color though! Some of the ideas spoken about are definitely outdated and inapplicable in this day of age.



4. I am a student studying Interior Design and I have found that this book is a great one that every student should have on their shelf. Its an amazing resource



5. This book has taught me more than I learned in an entire semester at a FIDER accredited Interior Design program at a local college. Well worth every penny.

1 comments about English Country Interiors: Inside Cotswold Homes.

1. Writer Sarah North with photographer Mark Nicholson take us through a stroll of Cotswold homes in a most unique way. The Cotswolds region is in central England, covering an area bounded by Oxford, Stratford, Cheltenham and Bath, an area known for quaint villages and scenic countryside. The term 'Cotswold' for most homeowners conjures visions of serene beauty of habitat and this excursion brings us closer to those elements that denote the Cotswold flavor.
   
   But what North and Nicholson have elected as a tour is to knock on doors of various citizens who are not necessarily those with wealth, moneywise, but those who make life more beautiful. We visit the homes of florists, designers, craftsmen - the regular people of the streets and lanes of this beautiful region, and the book feels like a neighborly stroll. Interiors demonstrate the use of the elements of Cotswold design that are often copied in United States homes, but here retain the basic simplicity of functional design.
   
   The paths and gardens are also scanned in this beautifully designed book. For those interested in traveling through England or for those with special interest in the Cotswold style, this book is well worth the investment. Grady Harp, May 06

1 comments about Shaping Interior Space.

1. This book provides a good conceptual approach to designing the layout and organization of commercial spaces. There are many diagrams and sketches illustrating the concepts of space, volume, flow, order, repetition, etc. The only thing is the photographs, while numerous, are just black and white. Helps keep the cost down though. Any student or new professional in interior design should get this book,

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.

5 comments about Home by Design: Transforming Your House Into Home.

1. I had borrowed this book from the library and loved it for Susanka's creative ideas and beautiful photographs. So I ordered it on Amazon. Unfortunately, as I looked through my copy I noticed that the photos weren't quite as clear. Then I realized that the colors weren't as appealing. Some paint shades I had flagged in the library copy for their warm brown tones look positively green in my edition. Upon comparing the two books, I realized that my copy had been printed in the U.S., the library copy in Singapore. I wish I had known this before ordering--I'd have purchased the book at Border's instead.



2. This is the best book on home design available. It provides guidance on creative ways to use space, light, and order to create a house that really feels like home.
   
   I believe this is one of Susanka's best books, and in my opinion, one of the best introductions to "pop" architecture available. Susanka exposes us little people to the idea of design patterns in architecture, a concept first introduced by Christopher Alexander thirty to forty years ago. In fact, many of the patterns she explores were first uncovered in Alexander's work.
   
   Susanka isn't quite as nutty as Alexander was. She does a better job than Alexander of describing patterns. She demonstrates her patterns with beautiful photography, and describes them so well that you can almost imagine yourself occupying the room as she describes it. She has developed something of a cult following over the past few years, but this book is really worth reading.
   
   My wife and I are planning to build a house soon. We've worked with our designer to incorporate many of the patterns that Susanka describe in Home by Design: varied ceiling heights, lowered soffits, alcoves, light at the end of a tunnel, and more.
   
   Many have given this book a negative review because the houses used to illustrate the patterns are obviously big and/or expensive. That's a valid point. But there is no reason why the patterns can't be applied in smaller and more reasonably priced homes. There is also a lot of repetition in the "Not So Big" series, which includes Home by Design. Most of the books use the same examples, the same or similar photos, and describe the same patterns. If you only buy one Susanka book, this is the one.
   
   The bottom line: if you're building a new house, or remodeling an existing one, buy this book.



3. I have increased respect for Sarah Susanka after reading this book. It is well organized and clearly explains her concepts. But you have to remember when reading this book that the meat is in the text. Make no mistake, this is a beautiful book. Perhaps too much so that some of the reviewers here have mistaken it for a "browse through" book. This is very much a textbook for thinking about houses. The contents are written in plain, lay-person English, but that does not mean that your brain can take the back seat while reading it. You really have to concentrate to take it all in. Also, this is not a so-called "idea book". You will have to proactively use your imagination in order to apply any of the concepts explained in this book to your own house, whether you have lots of money or not. One of the most extravagant examples in this book is a poolhouse built for an obviously very rich client. Yet this spare-no-cost structure has art glass windows on one side of the fireplace and not the other. Also it has no windows in the bathroom. And Susanka takes the time to explain that these things were not oversights. Now, if rich people can do these things on purpose as design statements, there is no shame in a not-so-rich person adopting the ideas to save costs. But you really have to use your brains to do so. Otherwise you will end up saying (like some reviewers have) "This book is useless if you don't have lots of money".



4. GREAT ON UTILIZING SMALL SPACE /NATUAL LIGHT fRANK LLOYD 'S HOUSE'S RICH
   IN EXAMPLES OF SHELTER AROUND ACTIVITY OFTEN A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT HEIGHTS NOT ONLY THINKS OF THE VIEW FROM WITHIN AND OUTSIDE /
   A SEQUENCE OF PLACES /ALL SPACES EVEN THOUGH SEPERATED SHOW THEY CAN WORK TOGETHER IN AN EFFECTIVE WAY .
   SEQUENCE OF SPACE EVEN OUT SIDE DECKS THAT EXTEND INTO A LIVING SPACE
   i GIVE THIS BOOK A 5*****



5. This is a great book. Lots of great ideas with visuals to help you understand the effects of doing something one way or another. Lots of good ideas that can be used in any home. I open it up on a daily basis and keep finding more great ideas.

5 comments about The Book of Masonry Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way of Warming.

1. Rarely does one find a book that answers all the questions. This is one of the few. I was looking for information on the Masonry stove, I got it all. There are some things you can't find in a practical book, tips and tricks of the trade, but here it's all there to read.. I enjoyed all the hand drawn illustrations, and there's an superb picture of picasso sitting in front of an old burner. I would like to have seen a few more colour pictures of stoves as there is a wealth of beautiful ceramic stoves out there but it's still my recommended reading.



2. When I started flipping through this book, I became excited -- very excited. This is not a Black & Decker complete guide to masonry stoves. There are no step-by-step instructions on how to build a masonry stove. You cannot walk into the Home Depot and buy a masonry stove or a masonry stove kit. But this book is an absolute treasure trove of theory and diagrams (many historical, but we learn from the past, right?) which, with a little imagination and chatting with your local building inspector, can potentially yield results in the form of energy-efficient, high quality heating for your home -- and, depending on your execution, much more aesthetically pleasing than the forced-air beast currently occupying your basement.



3. This is an outstanding and comprehensive book on a timely subject which is gaining renewed interest. Even though it's a bit out of date on the calendar the information is still right on target.



4. great refrence book, it goes back to the beginning of the use of fire indoor as heat, then goes into masonry heaters. lots of nice pictures also.



5. I wouldn't have thought a book about stoves would be such interesting reading, but this really is a good book. I bought it in hopes that I'd be able to attempt to build a stove myself. That did not happen, in fact I'm not even sure what type of stove I'd like. However, the book has increased my faith in a wood stove keeping my home comfortable, and be environmentally sound. I liked the writing style, which is pretty rare for a book of this type. There were times when I couldn't put it down. Honestly, I was on this page again to sell my book, but now I find I'm not ready to let it go, so I'm writing a review instead.
   
   While it is old and could probably be updated, the art of the wood stove is also old, so much of the most valuable information may be old as well. Certainly, history has a lot of lessons to teach us about masonry stoves. Also, the book talks about past mistakes of masonry stoves, so if you're thinking about building your own, this would be good reading.

5 comments about The New Eighteenth-Century Style: Rediscovering a French Décor.

1. This book is great because it shows you ways of having French style but still living in a current home and lifestyle. I loved all of the looks mixing old and new with found objects like sea shells. Of course a lot of the furniture and art is very high end, you can easily get the same look with a little bit of creative shopping at flea markets.
   
   Just a wonderful book with a shabby chic style.



2. An absolutely smashing book, full of details. After all, it is the details that make the room finishesd and unique. This is a classic look in my way of thinking, but then again, it is my style! A decorator by trade, I am always open to new concepts, and I found the book to offer many different perspectives on the same style, pages after pages of them. Excellent book layout and design, and wonderful photography.



3. I'm an artist & antique collector and not an interior designer by trade, so I am totally enjoying this book. I find it to be a lovely book full of great photography and many interesting details to spark one's imagination. Regardless of the fact that all the styles are not necessarily my own taste, the book as a whole is great fun to look at and I found it inspiring. Each time I looked at a room, I found some new little detail that I'd missed the first time around. It made me itch to re-vamp a room, stat, and I consider anything that inspires me or makes me feel creative money well spent.



4. This is a pretty, pretty book with lots of great stuff to look it, lots of interesting vignettes. It's French shabby, chippy _hit, uh, I mean chic. This was a great trend in the mid 1990's here in the USA before Rachel A. made shabby and chic a brand. Big style on a budget using detrius no one wanted. And it was cheap back then. Just took a can of white paint to chic up everything.
   These French 18th century and 18th century inspired objets in this book, are not cheap. They are shabby and they are beautiful. The vignettes look like the Broadway stage set for the play Dangerous Liasons - decay, messy, artful, romantic, monochromatic and mad.
   Like many decor books, the vignettes are impossible to see as life like - like does anyone really live in these vignettes. Still, they are beautiful to look at. The new 18th century style is a little like the new emperor's clothes. Smoke and mirrors to the highest degree of accomplishment. Get this book for the fun of it.



5. If you're style is that of a Paris flea market, the bazaar in Bombay or a eclectic old shop somewhere in Eastern Europe, you'll love this book. Great photography; the individualism of each space comes through with color and texture. My new favorite. The highlight is more photos of the Stockholm attic apartment, which is a true style icon.

3 comments about 500 Ideas for Small Spaces: Easy Solutions for Living in 1000 Square Feet or Less.

1. This is an extremely helpful book that contains many suggestions for dealing with small spaces. I have a library of about 10 books relating to small space organization and design, and this is in the top 5. My biggest complaint is that few of the suggestions actually list suppliers of the items pictured. I was able to find a few of these items in Dwell magazine.



2. I'm moving from a 2500 sq ft home in the 'burbs to what I hope to be a 750 sq ft apt in Manhattan. I have not found a better book to give me ideas of how to organize my space in such a way that my husband and I feel like we are in a home rather than an apartment that feels like a college dorm room. This is a good book. Lots of pictures and lots of locales - not all in the US which I found interesting.



3. I was mislead by the subtitle of "easy solutions for living in 1000 sq feet or less". The ideas in it are great, but the most of the pictures don't really relay the message of "small space". You don't really get a whole room view. I was looking for something geared more towards small apartment living. Overall, the book has some good ideas, but nothing that hasn't been done before. Recommend you check the local library before purchasing.

5 comments about The Southern Cottage: From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Florida Keys.

1. I'm always interested in how the wealthy spend their money. These "Cottages" are really something! Most people might enjoy thumbing through this book free at a library or on a friends coffee table.



2. Very nice book. I liked it so much I sent an additional copy to a friend in Georgia.



3. This was an absolute page turner for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful pictures and descriptive dialog. The photos were amazing and were varied with many interior, exterior and garden shots. The only dissapointment was coming to the end!



4. Ever since I purchased a turn of the century farmhouse I have been a bit obsessed w/ reading about the history and culture of the south. I enjoyed this book and the photos but most of all I love reading about the people who choose to live a simple life:)There is something magical about this way of life. I feel so lucky to experience living in a historic home and I enjoyed reading the reviewer's home featured in the book! OMG!!!! It is an honor! CONGRATS!!!! I googled and made trips to the local museum in my area and found my farmhouse written about in a history book and it is thrilling beyond words! Hope someday the author chooses to write "The Southern Farmhouse" Hint!:)



5. Susan Sully's "The Southern Cottage" is a beautifully written book, illustrated with stunning photographs of eighteen charming cottages. In the spirit of full disclosure, my home is featured in the book (four pages of text and eight photos). I had never met Susan before she visited me last year. An officer of our local Preservation Society recommended my home, a mid-nineteenth century "story-and-a-jump" cottage rehabilitated to historic preservation standards, to her.
   
   Susan's photos show my house as it is. All of the furniture and other items in her pictures are mine, ones that I use daily. Sometimes I sit in my parlor with Susan's book open on my lap, and think, "what a wonderful testimony to the love and care we've shown to this historic old house."
   
   In addition to capturing the spirit of my house in photographs, Susan has written several pages describing the house (it belonged to my grandparents), our family history (including colonial settlers, sea captains, and shipwrecks), and life today on a barrier island.
   
   So far I have read only a few other sections (each cottage has its own chapter), but if the book captures the spirit of every house as faithfully as mine (and I have every reason to believe it does) this is a book worthy of any bookshelf.

5 comments about Adobe Details.

1. I collect design books of all types and this was a great book for a great price. I only buy these books in the book stores when they are on the clearance table. On Amazon I find great deals on great books to add to my collection. Love it.



2. This is a great primer for anyone decorating in a traditional Southwestern style. It is beautifully photographed. It's a small book but you will browse it over and over again !!!



3. This book is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Perfect condition and rapid delivery. Excellent service.



4. Adobe Details is a small but powerful book. It is well written and beautifully photographed by Karen Witynski and Joe Carr. This book satisfies the reader's appetite for Mexican and New Mexican decor while challenging him or her to venture out to one of the several locations featured. Ideas abound for the novice decorator. If landscape design is more your style, this book will also energize your outdoor spirits!! The vivid color and simple elegance make the book a "must have" for any library, especially those chocked full of information on the southwest.



5. Adobe Details by award winning Mexican design specialists Karen Witynski and Joe P. Carr is an impressive survey at the culture, furnishings, and especially the architecture prevalent in the American Southwest and the mountains of Mexico. The majority of Adobe Details is devoted to breathtaking, full-color photography of grand living spaces; brief text captions and essays provide rich detail on the history, functionality, and symbolism of these inspirational edifices. Adobe Details is especially for architecture buffs and a welcome addition to academic and community library interior design reference collections.