5 comments about Zen Interiors.

1. this book was very useful for my project and helping me get ideas on a zen looking interior which was the feel i needed for the space i was designing. i would suggest this book to anyone who whats to acheive that look. it has alot of pictures to help you mind visulise the space and make your creative juices flow



2. 
   I really like this book, is minimalist, which I understand not everyone identifys with, but the photos, the coments the whole concept and contect makes this book a must have reference for anyone wanting to integrate oriental mindset to western culture. Highly recommended, and the price is unbetable.



3. This book was too sterile for me. It was done in the modern/minimalistic fashion that is so popular today. I like something that is beautiful, welcoming and comfortable . This book did not have any furniture that appeared to be anything you would want to sit on. Some of the rooms barely had any furniture in them.



4. Well, with the plethora of Feng Shui books out these days it is nice to flip through one that doesn't shout in your face. The photography in here is excellent and there are many great ideas for living simply. That is, this is a "clear your clutter" without any preaching; the pictures should provide reason enough to get rid of your piles of (crud).

   That said, there are some illustrations of definite "no-no's" and some spaces in here do not really look liveable. I wonder if the 'dressers' did a bit too much styling and removed all signs of life from some houses; either that or one wonders what the closets look like since you do need a certain amount of stuff to live.

   It also bothers me a bit that "zen" has become little more than a buzz-word. Go get a zafu, take a weekend session and start meditating. Then start fixing your space and you will have a "zen" living space. Following instructions and/or copying layouts from somewhere is about as far from zen as you can get! I think the author could have stressed this point a lot more.

   Still a fun coffee-table book...




5. The serenity of form and function are clearly brought together in this tranquil volume by designer Vinny Lee.

   With the Zen perspective that one's possessions are burdens, the book manages to create inviting, peaceful living spaces uncluttered by frou-frou and bric-a-brac.

   A great resource for those comfortable with themselves, not requiring a plethora of possessions to make a statement about who they are.

2 comments about Linda Applewhite's Architectural Interiors.

1. This is my favorite decorating book - it's absolutely loaded with gorgeous pictures, that encompass the breath of range of Ms. Applewhite's signature style. Her style is entirely unique, unlike any other decorator I've seen, it's somewhat derivative of Napa or Tuscan styles but veers off with delightful color schemes, usually in the pear to old gold range, and eclectic and imaginative accessories and inspired art. The text is delightful and talks about the challenges some of the featured homes she decorated. The paint finishes she uses on doors and furniture are inspired.
   
   Buying decorating books online is problematic; it's the one type of book that depends greatly on the buyers individual tastes and that really needs to be previewed. Unfortunately, most publishers of decorating books don't realize that fact - or maybe they're afraid they'll lose sales if we could see what's inside too clearly. Architectural Interiors is one book that doesn't disappoint. Every picture inside the book is as beautiful as the cover picture. The writing style is engaging and friendly. I can't recommend this book highly enough.



2. I gave three stars to this book since I am a fan of the author through her previous appearances on the cancelled HGTV show, "Sensible Chic." I was expecting more from her book however and was surprised at some of the odd image qualities of the photographs. In an attempt to emphasize the "glowy" quality of her design style the photos were overly bright and un-natural and looked overexposed and just odd at times. Applewhite's style can best be described as a very unique, bright, and ecclectic version of California Wine Country style which takes inspiration from a wide variety of sources such as Spanish Colonial, French Country, Tuscan and Asian as well as others. And...make no mistake about it - Applewhite's style is great...very unique, inspired and things seems to just glow. This book does not even come close to doing her talents justice and actually makes her style look outright garish in certain photographs. I looked through my book wanting to feel more but in the end I returned it. I hope the author's future books will be a better reflection of her talents.

No comments about French Country Kitchens: Authentic French Kitchen Design from Simple to Spectacular.

2 comments about A Guide to Business Principles and Practices for Interior Designers: Revised Edition.

1. a very comprehensive overview. Great examples of forms.



2. Having a grasp of design is essential in the interior designer's profession, but it is only one element of a successful practice. Grasping the principles of operating a business is equally important. Here, in a newly revised edition of his fourteen-year best-seller, Harry Siegel together with Alan M. Siegel show how to run a design shop smoothly and effectively. The book, the first and most' respected in the field, continues to be a must for all interior designers, architects, space planners, and certainly students.

   Thoroughly updated to reflect current practices and procedures, the book is divided into four parts. In Part 1 the Siegels discuss how to establish an interior design practice. In Part 2 they describe how to carry through a job and charge for it. Included are a new checklist to help the designer handle initial contacts with the client, new descriptions of the use of combinations of fees and allocation of budget amounts, as well as three completely new chapters, Analysis of Scope of Services, Approach to the Flat Fee, and Sales Taxes. Alan M. Siegel, a partner in the law firm of Levy & Sonet, which is legal counsel to the American Society of Interior Designers, Inc., has completely revised the chapter on residential letters of agreement.

   The special requirements of nonresidential work are covered in Part 3. Here too the chapter on letters of agreement has been completely revised by Alan M. Siegel, and the discussion of the designer's responsibilities for purchases has been expanded. In Part 4 the Siegels examine forms, techniques, and special factors including actual examples of the specialized procedural forms used in the design office. The chapter on insurance has been expanded and completely revised, including a discussion of errors and omissions coverage. Also included is a new chapter, The Interior Designer as a Product Designer.

   This book should be required reading for all designers or students, who want reasonable remuneration for their knowledge, flair, and hard work. You can't afford to pass up this valuable professional resource.

1 comments about Paris Style (Icon (Taschen)).

1. The photos were nice but anyone expecting this to provide any kind of how-to experience will be disappointed. Anyone looking for the French photography experience will also be disappointed as the size of the photos (paperback size) are too small to fully enjoy.

5 comments about $500 Room Makeovers.

1. Lisa Quinn offers real life, wonderfully creative ideas and tips for budget challenged decorating in this book. Divided into four categories (dramatic, classic, exotic, children's)with four to six example rooms per category, Quinn provides multiple pages of details and photographs for each room. There are tons of ideas & easy how-to projects here & Quinn's witty approach has you laughing. Although I've read it several times now, I still reference it, not only for budget conscious ideas but also for general inspiration on color schemes & design styles. It's become an unexpected but welcome addition to my all-around decorating library. My only complaint is that it's just not long enough! Quinn's design and writing style are so enjoyable, you want more...hopefully there's a sequel in the works!



2. What a great book. I love to redo my rooms for less and this is a book that everyone should have on their shelves.



3. This was a great book that lived up to its title. All makeovers were indeed under $500 and most had at least a few dollars to spare. We'd be hard pressed to be able to replicate any of the rooms for the same prices however, as Quinn frequently uses Ebay to snag her deals. (This is not a bad thing, just an FYI.) Quinn illustrates many different styles from playful to elegance for many different types of people; baby, child, teen, college, first apartment, empty nesters, parents, retired... everyone is represented. She gives a bit of background on the the people and why they need a change, tells the reader what is good about the room and what is bad about it, tells you how much she spent and shows the before photo next to the after photo. She gives tips on what to be on the look for when trying to replicate the particular style, give tips (with diagrams) on what makes the room work, encourages alternate uses for household items and at the end Quinn gives a brief tutorial on how to do one or two of the projects she did for each room. I enjoyed this book and think others will too.



4. "Living in a home that doesn't reflect your personal style is like wearing someone else's shoes: They may do the job, but they will never feel right." --Lisa Quinn
   
   I just love this idea. I have been looking for inspiration to make my house more of a home and I have found it in Miss Quinn's book. She is right your home should really be a place that suits you , not just a roof and walls.
   She has so many great ideas to choose from like the pot rack over the bed as a canopy I love that. This book is great for someone who has a fear of interior design, it makes it easy.



5. This book is so creative and incredibly inspiring! Lisa Quinn really knows her stuff. She has innovative twists on everyday objects that can suit anyone's style (and you can mix and match between rooms). I especially love the "sexy bedroom" on the cover. What a brilliant idea to screw desk lamps into the wall! I highly recommend this book for people looking for some inexpensive inspiration to brighten up their abode.

2 comments about Dream Homes Colorado (Dream Homes).

1. With a plethora of building sites offering truly spectacular settings, as well as a busy metropolitian area, relatively low building costs, and resort areas to attract the rich and famous, Colorado offers a collection of 'Dream Homes' unlikely to be found anywhere else in the world. In putting this book the authors could choose from the best of the best and they did. Both the houses and the background settings are spectacular. There's something about a huge mansion, sitting by a lake, with snow capped mountains in the background that creates a picture worth remembering.
   
   Of course the houses are outstanding in their own right. Most of the houses, especially those remote from the city of Denver, carry a western motif, there's something about being in the west that calls for big wooden beams, log cabin construction, and wrought iron inside. Still, as you would expect, there is room for other architectural style, whatever the customer wants: tudor, French, modern - anything goes. The one common characteristic is that these homes all fill every aspect of being a dream home.



2. Dream Homes of Colorado is a "Must Have" Coffee Table Book.
   It is truly one of the finest compilations of magnificent photography of the finest examples of the achitectural, design, and building talents used to produce the most outstanding homes in the State of Colorado. It showcases where almost everyone would live, if only they could.

5 comments about Just junk.

1. This would be a good book for someone looking to restore furniture.
   Not enough new, practical information for me. Iknew most of the info already,and while I like to look at before and after photos, there weren't that many in this book.
   
   Oh well, win some,lose some!



2. I have to admit that I did get some tidbits, but I found this book was either far too simple or that it had too few instructions for the procedures. Also, the projects were not in my taste as I hate the "country" look. There really was not much restoration or preservation in it and it mostly involved the taking of old items and spending a lot of time making them look new so that you can then spend too much time making them look "fake" old.
   Sorry - just not my taste.



3. This was the first book my mother bought me on this subject, & it has become my bible! In fact, I've been trying to find comparable books for some fresh, new ideas, but all of the books I have purchased or been given since have fallen short!

   Barker starts out with an intro. section that tells you everything you need to know about stripping, painting, molding putty to replace broken details, reinforcing old chairs & drawers, filling handle holes, checking for pests, etc. It shows step by step pictures & has step by step instructions. This section is invaluable, & I refer to it time & time again.

   Although I would have to agree with the previous viewer about the "blues" of the chair & the "pickled sideboard," Barker does offer many wonderful ideas. I don't personally like all of her ideas, but I think that an important accomplishment this book has made is that she has refinished almost every piece with a different technique; thus, you have the information & knowledge available to you to use your own imagination & mix it up a little.

   For example, in her bedroom chapter, she shows a Formica topped cabinet that she refinished in a crackle pattern with decoupage fronts. I'm not into the crackle or the decoupage, BUT the actual paint finish was incredible! She stripped, sealed, primed, etc. Then, she used a pale yellow paint. After that, she rubbed the entire surface with an Artist's oil (burnt umber). It was a remarkable, "shabby" finish!! My hubby & I are now using this basic combination to refinish a bargain, couch table we found..




4. Just Junk : New Looks for Old Furniture
   by Linda Barker (Introduction)

   Being a big fan of Changing Rooms, I am collecting books by the different decorators and Handy Andy. As usual, Linda Barker shows fabulous tips for turning old pieces of junk you may hanging around the house or find at flea markets. She shows you how to spruce them up and make them show pieces for your particular home.

   Her instructions were particularly helpful to this person who does not even know to paint.

   Sure, I wouldn't choose some of her color schemes but this was an especially helpful "how-to" and idea book, and I recommend it to all.




5. I have been searching for books that outline different painting techniques for YEARS. This book does a great job of showing exactly how to achieve different painted looks on different types of items. The directions are clear and really pretty basic. There are examples of decoupage, tiling and painting that are actually things we non-Martha Stewart types might be able to do! I bought this for a girl friend, and I'm ordering another one for myself.

1 comments about Great Traditional Style.

1. Beautiful book. Absolutely gorgeous pictures. I poured through it to get ideas for window treatments in our new traditional-style home. Very inspirational.

2 comments about Moderne: Fashioning the French Interior.

1. This is a beatiful addition to the library of anyone interested in art, interior design or the history of both. Together, Sarah Schleuning and Jeremy Aynsley present an interesting history of the pochoir technique - a method of creating coloured illustrations of an interior designers intent. Full of charming full colour pochoir illustrations of the work of France's finest designers, its as fascinating as it is inspirational.



2. This is a fabulous book not intended for the lay person. The illustrations of French deco rooms is a very welcome change from super-staged photography that's all the rage these days in interior design books and mags. This reminds me of the wonderful fashion illustrations that have bitten the dust over the years (since the 60's) to be replaced by styled-to-death prepubescents in haute couture. It's wonderful to see something so beautifully done by hand get a chance. Buy it immediately if not sooner!!
   Stylemaven