No comments about Florence de Dampierre French Chic: The Art of Decorating Houses.

5 comments about Human Dimension and Interior Space: A Source Book of Design Reference Standards.

1. As a new designer, I find this book very helpful and intriguing. It goes through the basic standards of human dimensions separating each chapter into antrhopometric dynamics and functions. Currently I'm in the Seating Measurement section and I had no idea about the amount of calculations involved in the act of sitting. Though this book was written in the 1970's, the information inside this book is still relevant for today. It's easy to grasp and it has many diagrams, tables, and figures to visually explain the content. Well organized book; very researched.



2. I'm currently in my second year (of three) studying interior design. This book was recommended by a teacher, and I must say...it is WAY better than any of the other textbooks we are forced to buy. If you're looking for a very pictorial book that is easy to read and understand, and that is comprehensive in the information it covers, this is for you! Great for students, I've recommended this to all my fellow classmates.



3. This book is one-of-a-kind. You can't find a better resource for human factors/ergonomic spacial measurements than this book right here. It was a required textbook for my college-level human factors class. I have used it as a reference *many times* outside of this class. Definitely buy it if this description meets your needs!



4. Its a good book for human dimensions in interior spaces. A must if you are a student or an interior designer. Its full of information.



5. The book was copyrighted in 1979, and a lot of the data was fairly old even then. People are only a little taller (about 1" over the period when most of this data was taken, around 1960), but 25 or so pounds heavier. This is pretty significant when you're working with seating. It's great for its time, far better than nothing, but the body dimensions need revisiting. Also, bariatric furniture development, and I'm sure other areas for very large people, need body dimensions of people who are well above even the 99th percentile. There's no need to stop there just because you've covered nearly everyone. There's an increasing number of people in the country that really needs design data for people up to and even over 500 lbs.

5 comments about French Home.

1. Full of beautifully photographed vignettes that capture the essence of French style. The photographed interiors featured are not lavish or ostentations, but instead, pleasingly simple showcasing a style that is easily accessible. The book offers ideas for every living space--indoors and out. Interesting historical bits provide background information with a sensibility that is relevant to today's modern living. The French have a consummate knack for blending the old with the new. If you have a love for all things worn, this book is delightful and inspiring.



2. What is a French Home anyway? Is there such a thing as an American Home?
   
   I was smitten by this book -- it was love at first sight. I'm not necessarily a big fan of French decorating per se. I do like the European country look, however. I also happen to like Japanese home-decorating style, which has a lot more in common with the look presented in this book than you might think, and I actually mix the two in my own home.
   
   The reviewers who were disappointed in this book probably associated "French" with rich, opulent, fluffy, and even ornate. This book isn't about ornate. It's about rustic. It's about valuing history and character in the homes you live in and things you live with.
   
   It of course is not the way ALL French people live.
   
   And as a response to the reviewer who were disappointed because the book showed photos of objects, not of rooms, I'd like to say: In decorating you need to see the big picture as well as the small pictures. Often, it's the small things that really tell the story. If you are looking for ways to add that special touch to your rooms, this is a great book because the photos give you lots of ideas and inspiration. If not, you may not get much out of the book.
   
   All in all, I am very satisfied with the book, and I've been looking at it every day.



3. Happy to report that I found this book had lots of useful and chic ideas that can be easily translated to "Kiwi" New Zealand interiors. I happily recommend this book. Sumptuous images and an easy style. There is even a painting in one of the rooms by a New Zealand artist whose work I also have...what a small world!



4. Happily, for those of us who truly love French style, viewpoint and decor, there are some very fine books available. This is one of them.
   
   I was dismayed at some earlier reviews because this book truly captures the french respect for time and process, connection with Nature and the eye for placement based on function,soulfulness and items well loved. It is entirely appropriate that one reviewer who missed the point praised the Betty Lou Phillips books which are always only a sterile surface amalgamation of what rich Texans GUESS french style is about.
   
   Like all the important things in life, you either get it or you don't. HOCKEY FAN needs to stick to hockey.



5. Absolutely fantastic book! Great ideas, great style! Highly recommended to any with a keen interest in interior decor - french style!

5 comments about Perspective for Interior Designers.

1. John Pile presents the two point perspective in a simplified, clear, concise manner yet it's very extensive in content. I would highly recommend it for any Interior Designer wanting to know more about perspective drawings.



2. When I first started looking at the explanation for perspective I thought it was pretty good. But as it went on, I thought no one is going to pay me to take this much time to do a rendered drawing! This book could be good for developing your eye and understanding of perspective but there are short cuts that will give you better than acceptable results. There are also books that have more to offer in terms of rendering the presentation. I have found that no one singular book completely communicates everything you need. This one, I could have done without.



3. This book is a helpful tool for those of us struggling with perspectives. Page by page written and visual instructions assist in not just drawing perspectives, but really understanding how they are put together! Even for those who are new to the world of drawing and explaining concepts via drawing! THANKS!



4. I really like the book!...
   The content of this book it's easy to understand.



5. This is a great book to have. Easy reading, nice illustrations, great information.

5 comments about Where Women Create: Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women.

1. This book gave me a lot of ideas on how to organize my sewing/craft area.
   It was interesting to see how other women had arranged their personal creative/work spaces, how to store various items and the layouts that were most efficient. I would recommend this book if you are planning or trying to set-up a crafting/creating space.



2. Where Women Create: Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary WomenThis book is a lovely, feel-good sharing of women in their home,creative workspace. Packham's books are well worth the space on my bookshelf and ones I look to on rainy afternoons.



3. This book has the best cover and it looks like a great idea book for setting up a creative space or improving a space. I was not as happy with it as with a few other craft space books out there. It you like reading about women who are already professional in some form or another and thier craft spaces this is your book. For that is truly the gist of the book. I enjoyed it and while it wasn't exactly what I was looking for I found some great motivation from it. Jnetti.



4. This book was very inspiring. I definately got some good ideas that I'll try for my own studio (when I have one that is). And some nice ideas for around the home creation areas too. I love to create. This book is about others creation spaces. I can definately appreciate that!
   Create on!



5. I bought this bought because I am designing my own studio and wanted some ideas. I found this book VERY inspiring and full of great ideas! I recommend it to anyone designing their own creative space!

5 comments about Feng Shui for Dummies.

1. Feng Shui for Dummies is a wonderful book that covers Western, or Black Sect Feng Shui as opposed to compass Feng Shui. There are many differences between the two schools, but I feel that the Western is more accessible and makes more sense for people living in the Western hemisphere in the 21st Century.
   
   David Daniel Kennedy has a knack for making the complex subject easy to understand. A nice companion book to this one was also written by Kennedy and is called FENG SHUI TIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE. I recommend you read the Dummy book first to gain a firm understanding of Feng Shui and then use Tips as a quick reference for cures.
   
   I also recommend HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET to further your understanding of Feng Shui for TODAY'S lifestyle--plus pick up eco-friendly and design tips.
   
   Highly recommend!



2. I checked this book out from a local library and it is the first fengshui book I have read. A little later, I started reading a few other books. Certainly, the humorous writing and easiness to read make me immediately realize that I should have paid more attention to this topic before and rearrange my place and office. Did some routine work following advice. Then I started feeling some beneficial changes. Just in a few weeks! Well, I will move on to more readings and practices... and thanks for the introduction. Nice job! I even thought about mailing them a red envelope with some coins as suggested in the book.
   
   In an eastern culture, we need patience, intention and thankfulness to fullfil our goals.



3. Feng Shui for Dummies isn't about real Feng Shui at all. Any Feng Shui practice that does not make use of compass readings, does not consider the interaction between the different phases of life-energy (i.e. "qi" and its five "elements") and does not take landforms into account is simply not real Feng Shui. Period. Ask any professional Feng Shui practitioners from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Singapore. Black Hat "Feng Shui" (which this book covers) was developed in the USA in the 80s and is an untested and dumbed-down fast-food version of the real thing, designed to appeal to Western sensibilities and need for simple classifications (i.e. the "aspirations"). Forget this book. Get The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui instead. Now THAT is a book you'd want to lay your hands on to get a feel of what real Feng Shui is all about - a science developed over the course of several thousand years in one of the world's oldest cultures.



4. QUICK DELIVERY. GREAT BOOK, I HAVE 4 OTHERS & THIS BY FAR IS THE BEST. THANK YOU



5. I laughed out loud when I got this book in the mail. Lesson learned...from now on I will read ALL descriptions MUCH more carefully! I was FULLY expecting a FULL sized book but got this tiny thing. Felt like I was dooped but checked and it does clearly say Miniatue Edition. Live and lern.

5 comments about Tricia Guild Pattern: Using Pattern to Create Sophisticated, Show-stopping Interiors.

1. inspirational and pleasant! an eye candy, a page turner, I could not get enough! Pages filled with interiors variations from vintage cottage to modern with a chock of color. Unexpected combinations of textiles and wall hangings mixed with truly amazing architectural details. the book is the celebration of eclectic style. Almoust every page shows a fantasy home, created with such ease, charm and playfulness - it's contagious.



2. This book is eye candy offered at a great price! Wonderful photography, colors, and graphics.



3. Out of all the books from Tricia Guild, this one is her very best, I think! I am a huge fan!!!



4. You will not want to put this book down! If only I could magically transport myself to one of Tricia Guild's ethereal spaces...I would never want to leave. Opening this book is like taking a journey...it's an adventure in sumptuous fabrics, luscious colors and tactile textiles. Her patterns are romantic yet whimsical, and she masterfully juxtaposes modern and antique elements and motifs with themes of flowers and nature accented with candy colors! This book appeals to feminine sensibilities!



5. This book is absolutely gorgeous, inside and out. Rich and colorful, it's a feast for the eyes! If you design interior spaces or home textiles, this book will be an especially great addition to your collection.

No comments about The World's Coolest Hotel Rooms (The Cool Hunter).

5 comments about Mid-Century Modern: Interiors, Furniture, Design Details (Conran Octopus Interiors).

1. I wanted to learn more about my newest interest and this book has been great. A good overview balanced with enough details without being overwhelming - so happy I bought it!



2. A beautiful book, I see something new each time I flip through it. It may not be the perfect encyclopedia for specialists, but for people like me who just love beautiful things, it is great fun to have and contains a lot of interesting facts about mid-century design.



3. This book is filled with spectacular color photos of mid-century modern home interiors. Lots of ideas here for color schemes, furniture layout and incorporating mid-century aspects into any room of your home.



4. An absolutely stunning book & a must for any mid ce
   ntury enthusiast. Fabulous photographs & narration.
   Very inspiring.



5. this book is very good if you are interested in retro, modern design. I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about A History of Interior Design.

1. WOW! beautifully organized and articulated. thoughtful and well-rounded discussion of the variation and evolution of interior design. it was purchased to use as a course resource (on 20th century American consumer culture), but am now tempted to buy my OWN copy.



2. It's a very interesting book, it offers a vew over design from ancient times to ower days. We can follow the developement of design over time. The book is recomended especialy for professional designers.



3. I really do enjoy the book except that on some important topics in the class I am taking with this book there is little information. Nonetheless on the topics it greatly expands upon the book shows impressive and accurate knowledge. The pictures also aid in examples and are for the msot part the best picture examples that any book could offer.



4. If you're bored with historical overviews of a discipline, you're in for a surprise. Pile brings interior design to life with vibrant examples, wonderful background detail, and the kind of information that will help you understand this arena with much more depth.



5. History of Interior Design is great. I study interior design and, without John Pile's books, this wide-ranging subject would have been far more difficult. Studying the subject "history of interior design" would have been such a struggle for me without having this book at my side. I just couldn't find all I needed on the internet. Apart from the high quality paper and excellent images, John Pile has a writing style that gets his point across very clearly. That makes for rapid reading and faster absorption of information.