2 comments about Medical and Dental Space Planning: A Comprehensive Guide to Design, Equipment, and Clinical Procedures.

1. This book is Excellent in every regard! A MUST HAVE for anyone thinking of planning a medical or dental office space. It is very detailed with great photos! The author provides great resources as well through her company's website. It is definitely worth the investment!



2. this book is excenlent describes the medicasl procedures and what spaces to design for them, covers radiology, surgical suites, nuclear medicne and medical spaces for dentist it was a big help , an it even comes with plant layouts that you can really see how the facilities work!

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 The French Chateau: Life, Style, Tradition.

1. ok book,not one of my best picks,several out there that are better as far as decorating goes!



2. An unusual and beautifully published book that profiles privately-owned chateaux, inside and out. It gives you an intimate view of life within the rooms, formal and informal, utility and casual, garden and forest. Family and friends are included from a respectable distance, showing weekend sporting activities and day to day life. Snobbish? Unapproachable? Not really. Think of it as a personable Architectural Digest a la Francaise, with much more panache.



3. See how the other side lives in this fascinating book on private French chateaux. Their residences as well as their lifestyles are revealed in this book packed with gorgeous photos dripping with color and layers of texture. What's also interesting about this book is the history behind each property as well as its past owners. One can only dream...



4. Christiane De Nicolay-Mazery is a fabulous author with fabulous connections. I'm an interior designer & I find Christiane De Nicolay-Mazery's books to be the most inspirational decorating books that I own. One of her other books, 'Private Houses of Paris', is my favorite book on the topic of decorating and I own almost every significant book published on this topic. I do wish that this book was available in hardback, as I prefer hardback books, but this fact should not dissuade you in purchasing it because inspirational design is absolutely on every page of this book!



5. If you love French history, art, decoration and life style; if you have ever dreamed of living in a beautiful French chateau, you must get this book. Each time I open this book I am enchanted. What makes this book especially interesting is that people still live in these chateaus, these dreamscapes of tall Mansart roofs, formal French gardens and rooms filled with 18th century furniture. Forget about the text, it's the ravishingly photographed gardens and interiors that inspire one to dream. Beyond the sheer fantasy of it, this book showed me how I could create a little of the "French Chateau Style" in my own humble living space.

1 comments about Contemporary Design in Detail: Sustainable Environments (Contemporary Design Details).

1. This is a good book, but the focus is not in the details, but in a overall description of each project.

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 Small Spaces: Good Ideas.

1. Pro's
   - lots of photos.
   - apartments are small, under 90 square meters.
   
   Con's
   - this feature where this orange dotted "box" is put insde the pic to mark an area of something "cool" is really not so cool. spoils the book, imo.
   
   Not the best book about small space living and interiors but not bad at all for the price. Three and a half stars.



2. While these sort of books offer lovely, crisp photographs, they contain very few ideas that are realistic when you're on a tight budget...or if you have children and safety is a concern. This book in particular didn't take safety or budget into concern from my perspective.
   
   Martha Stewart has a book geared at storage solutions and organizations that is actually practical and affordable that I have turned to time and time again. Truly, organization is the key to living in a small space successfully.
   
   Your best bet is to save your money on this book and take a peek at something geared toward organization and stylish storage.... and visit your local IKEA for instead. Regardless of your personal style preferences, IKEA stores are set-up in pre-furnished rooms that really let you test their practicality. If you aren't near an IKEA location, IKEA's website has an entire section devoted to design ideas PLUS you can request a FREE catalog that is jam packed with storage solutions and furniture arrangements that are intended to maximize space when it's at a minimum. The objects themselves aren't important when it comes to your personal style, so focus on placement and use of space rather than whether or not you like that particular cabinet or couch and you'll do great. For example, if country is your style--when you find a room layout that you like, just replace the leather mid-century sofa with a fluffy, cotton duck one instead. IKEA has really warmed up their styles lately so I'm sure you'll find something that works for you when browsing their catalogs and website.
   
   I've kept several of the last few IKEA catalogs at a cost of ZERO dollars for color schemes, hints on how to use light and texture, fun with fabrics and furniture arrangement with oodles of storage. Hold onto them because they run out fast.
   
   If you are designing with practicality and comfort in mind but aren't near an IKEA store, I urge you to visit the IKEA website and browse their interactive catalog for hints..then print up a page that inspires you. You won't regret it!



3. Beautiful, funky and cutting edge interiors. High quality paper. Great reference because it also includes floor plans and elevations. Super cool and a great bargain for such a beautiful book.



4. This is a wonderful book to read if you want to imagine yourself living somewhere exotic in an uncluttered space with minimal (or no) possessions.
   
   It's all about design and I'm sure design mavens and architect-groupies will love it.
   
   I picked it up looking for "good ideas" (as advertised in the title) I could use in, or adapt for, my small condo. In my real life as a middle-class working person living in the US. I found none.
   
   Pretty pictures, though, of some inventive solutions to putting bed, bath, kitchen, and sitting facilities into small areas.



5. Of all of the design and architecture books in my library, I have to confess that this is the only one that I have ever read cover to cover. This wonderful book contains 51 gorgeously photographed small living spaces from 150-968 square feet - each one a jewel box of contemporary minimalist design. Here the art of living has been reduced to the basic essentials of ample light, beautiful design, clever storage, and minimal possessions. Each project is sparingly and simply described, with architectural drawings included in most sections. What a joy it is to be immersed in this book, imagining myself as a sophisticated debutante living in the chic apartment in Shepherd's Bush London, or a modern day hermit communing with the Divine in the Itamar Cave in Jerusalem, or an expatriate writer on a long, but fruitful sabbatical at Darmos House in Spain. Ah the joy of the simple life - unfettered by the weight of too many dusty possessions or heavy ornamentation - pure bliss!

3 comments about Home is Where the Heart Is.

1. I love Ilse Crawford sense for decoration, but I must say I was deceived by the book (which unfortunately I bought at the same time as her other edition Sensual Living, which is more or less the same). I found both books too much concerned about phylosophy of living instead of orineting on practical issues for interiors. I must admit I am looking for ideas to bild my new house, and if this is the case, this is not the book. In fact you do not get to see much of any of her projects except some pictures of her own home, more or less the same as those appeared in AD. Sory, but for me it was not worth buying it.



2. the best decoration/home book ever.
   congratulations to ilse crawford, the pictures, the texts.
   it warms your heart, it caresses your soul.
   definetely, home is where your heart is, but this book helps out a lot.
   enjoy your reading.
   Ana, Portugal



3. Since my home was demolished in the hurricane, I have been thumbing through the likes of Veranda, In Style and other similar magazines, seeking ideas about color, arrangement and "style". Though this isn't an "idea book" with gadgets and wall paper, it offers something that is missing from most of my current reading. It opens your mind with philosophy and helps you get to the core of what you really want your home to be. It helped me focus on the important aspects of a home.
   
   Some may find it more akin to a book of "feel good" statements. I, however, found it helps break down the boundaries we let others put on us when we express ourselves through our personal style. Basically, it gets those creative juices flowing by helping you to prioritize. The essence of your home should be a reflection of who you REALLY are-not how you want others to see you. Lest I forget, it is a beautiful book to display for easy access.
   
   Great gift for young couples, hostess gift, anyone who is a fan of decorating magazines or is ready for a change in scenery.

1 comments about Lakeside Living: Waterfront Houses, Cottages, and Cabins of the Great Lakes.

1. This book features many great pictures of homes on or near the Great Lakes. It covers several types of building styles and architectures. Every home looks like a sublime dream. One critique though is that most of the homes are of the spare-no-expense ultra wealthy variety. Even the cabins would be out-of-reach for most people.

1 comments about Modern Retro: Living With Mid-Century Modern Style (Compact Paperbacks).

1. This book is not helpful for people serious about getting into the Fifties' look. Maybe OK for those who view it as a fad and have lots of money to spend on repros and authentic pieces at high end antique shops. It gives very little sense of real Fifties decorating and "look"; replaces stylistic information with a lot of weird photography angles; and is depressingly short of useful ideas. If you want to intersperse one or two 50s pieces in an otherwise contempory decor, this book might be helpful. I found it pitifully inadequate.
   
   For serious Fifties afficinados or those who want genuine inspiration, I suggest instead 'Atomic Ranch: Design Ideas for Stylish Ranch Homes', by Michelle Gringeri-Brown, Gibbs Smith, Publisher, Layton, Utah, 2006.
   Or 'Eichler: Modernism Rebuids the American Dream'.

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

1. i bought this book a year ago and have probably looked through it 25 times. i subscribe to so many home decor magazines and buy the others at the stores. i have loads of books on this style of decor and am often disappointed when i look at said books and magazines to find they seem all too styled and not lived in. maybe its just me and i love a little old with the new and a little time worn with the shiny....but the rooms in this book look as if people actually live in them and therefore to ME it is the quintessential french country look book. you want to know how these people live?? this is it to be sure.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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!



5. 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.