5 comments about Comfortable Country.

1. As a fan of modern country, I still find this book very appealing, years after I bought it. It's warm and cozy. These are European country homes, very unlike ours here in the U.S., but I like picking it up from time to time, enjoying the pictures of fabrics, color choices and how things are displayed. Some of the exterior photos, with the stonework, just floats my boat. It's definitely one of my favorites. It's fantasy living. If you are into decorating by nature, you will probably love this book as much as I do.



2. The cover picture is the only one I like. The decorative style is far too primitive and junky for my taste.



3. Comfortable Country by Enrica Stabile
   
   I have the large version, and the photography is beautiful! I like decorating with worn items with a history, but some of the rooms look downright dirty. Example - the kitchen on page 54. I don't need new expensive appliances, but I couldn't live with this kitchen. Some of the rooms are charming, but others are sad, with the stuffing coming out of the pillows, rotting wood, and peeling paint ~ possibly lead-based. Sorry, but it's a little MORE comfort than I need!



4. 
   I love this book, though I needed a magnifying glass to read it. Please beware that many Sellers sell the very tiny version of this book. (Most buyers will not know that two versions were issued of this book). Thus, I did not think to check the "SIZE OF THE BOOK" when ordering this decorating book, therefore when it arrived I was shocked to find it was only about 5 inches big. Yieks! It can fit in my wallet!
   
   I think that had I ordered the regular book sized version of this book ,I would have enjoyed it more.
   
   Other than the tiny itsy bitsy size of this book, the photos were wonderful and inspiring!



5. This is the very best deorating and idea book of the year (and in the longest time)! Since I operate my own Country Cottage Decor Store, I hunt for every new book in this category, but none has surprised me more positivly than "Comfortable Country". Wonderful journey from page to page;- Imagine the smell of crisp linens and snuggling into poofy, down pillows! You have to look through it over & over and still see new details. The reading part is also very informativ! WOW-Those pictures are true inspiration! Possible to recreate, no matter what size your budget, home and own skills! Hope to see more from this gifted author;- soon!

4 comments about The Splendor of France: Great Chateaux, Mansions, and Country Houses.

1. A great and large collection of huge impressive photos for any Francophile that loves the French countryside and it's haute-couture architecture. A super reference for artists and travelers.



2. This is a nice book on an amazing subject. Maybe I expected too much from this book, I don't know, but though I liked it very much indeed, it did not blow me away. Something was missing, I think it was Versailles and Fountainbleau and maybe Sceaux. I just thought most of the greatest chateaux where absent, although I loved the section on Vaux le Vicomte, now that is a spectacular chateaux by anyones definition; maybe the most beautiful in France...Louis XIV thought so. The photographs where first rate and I did enjoy the book, I just wanted more. Having said that I do recommend it to anyone who in interested in this subject; for those it really is a book worth owning.



3. I got this because I really missed France after studying architecture there for a semester. This book really captured the same feeling of many of the historical sites I visited. My favorites are Chenonceau and Vaux-le-Vicomte, the French chateaux with formal garden.

   This paper back version is only 287 pages much shorter then the first hardcover that was about 400-500 pages. I don't quite remembered, but I think there were some lesser chateaux taken out. I found the hardcover for $130 at a local architectural bookstore. So, this definitely a steal at Amazon price of $28.

   The pictures are very big; every other page is a full page photograph. Some pages have a smaller picture and a written summary. This is more of a picture book with very little written texts, so you can't really use it for writing a resource paper. The picture of the building or site is very clean, since most of these places are full of tourist and it is funny seeing it empty. There are photographs of Chateaux, garden, interior design with furniture, and sculpture.

   If you like France and garden after the Baroque period, this is a nice book. It would be a five star if they didn't condense the book from the in-depth first edition.




4. This book is an absolute treasure to anyone who loves French architecture and decoration. It contains spledid photographs of French Chateaux inside and out. While expensive it is worth every cent and then some. A Must!

5 comments about Napa Valley Style.

1. This was a great book for my business, and study of Wine Country Style. I had a client contact my company Jeff Andrews Custom Home Design Inc. [...] about designing a Napa Valley style home. I looked on Amazon, and found this book, and it was great to read and see all of the elements they used. You can see a picture of the home on my website listed above. under photos page "Merrill Residence" We mixed the style of Napa, then into earth tone, southwest colors, and the home was built in St.George Utah.



2. This is NOT a very good idea to buy if you are looking for decorating ideas. It was not at all what I was hoping it was going to be, if you are building or decorating this "style" of house.



3. OK, its not a home run, but its pretty good. If you are building a home in the tuscan or californian tradition, you will find some inspiration here. There are some great outdoor rooms as well. What it really makes you want to do is move to Napa!!! Great ideas for exterior details on tuscan homes and casual yet elegant structural details. Worth the money, get it.



4. This is a very nice book with stunning, crisp and clear photos of Napa Homes. There is a description for each home, many of which are estates on family run wineries. There is some text and a few photos of beautiful Napa itself that made me want to book my trip right away. Many of the photos in the book really focus on the homes exteriors - their architecture, gardens and beautiful views. That is followed by only a couple of photos of the interiors. I wanted to see so much more of the interior spaces to get a better sense of design inspiration. So while this is really a nice book it just left me wanting more for the price. If it had more Napa descriptions and listed some hot spots and had more interior design inspiration I would have raised my rating...oh well.



5. The photo on the cover and the home in the book is the only part of the book I enjoyed. The rest of the pictures were lacking. It has not been a book that draws me back to look some more.

5 comments about Sister: The Life of Legendary Interior Decorator Mrs. Henry Parish II.

1. Sister (Dorothy) Parrish was "gently" born, and she played this card like a violin all her life to great success. Expensively, but scantily educated Sister had an "eye" for proportion and taste that never failed her. Her decorating services became astronomically expensive, yet she had a Grande Dame persona that made her clients feel she was doing them a great favor by decorating their homes.

   "Sister" is authored (perhaps edited) by her daughter and granddaughter very respectfully indeed. It contains little essays and remarks by friends and colleagues, plus sections by Sister herself from her autobiography that never was completed. Her daughters were clearly terrified by her, though her granddaughter seems to be a little bit of a chip off the old block. An oddity I noticed in the pictures: movie-star-handsome men run in her family while the women are plain as peahens. Sister speaks of growing into beauty, but I would have to respectfully disagree. Imposing, and dramatic--yes; but "beautiful"--no. All mention her wonderful sense of humor, which struck me as cruel and belittling along with a razor sharp tongue. The pictures of her projects (sadly, most in black and white) show her capabilities in making a fabulous mansion into a home rather than a museum. However, in spite of Sister's declamations that the client's wishes were first and foremost, most of her actions show that you go her way or the highway. Her Pekinese dogs always were with her and each seemed to have a talent for vicious nipping.

   "Sister" is fascinating and does a good job (mostly Sister herself) describing her artistic techniques. The family history is well done. But there is a slightly patched together quality of the book that makes this reader feel the events are only half-told and some not told at all. I don't mean I expected or remotely wanted a "Sister Dearest." I admire the tact and respect displayed by Ms. Parrish's heirs. I just wish a few of the reminiscences were by folks who had less than 100% adoration for Sister!
   -sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer




2. The book, a series of interviews, doesn't hold together as well as I might have liked, though it is chock-full of intriguing raw materials, including reminiscences of Sister by other legends (e.g. the late Mark Hampton, John Fowler, and Mario Buatta). I read it in a hotel room dashing out to shop and to go to a wedding, and I naturally began to critique the decor from what I imagined as Sister's point of view. The hotel forbade dogs, small or otherwise, which would never have done. Sister's Pekinese Yummy went everywhere. There was a certain baroque grandeur to the lobby, which was carried into the rooms, where one could not miss the giant chandelier. You just stared at it, and perhaps felt that this justified the price of the night. But this would not have been Sister's way. As she demonstrated during her days in the Kennedy White House, she could differentiate between public spaces and private ones. Private ones were subtle in tone, with the emphasis on incorporating one's own sentimental possessions into the general scheme. A client's library might have a Picasso or a Monet, but it wouldn't be the first thing that would hit you when you walked into the room. You'd probably be drawn to a cozy fire, and only gradually realize the masterpiece off somewhere to the side. Public spaces could be grand as befitted their function. None of her clients wound up living in a museum. She's worth knowing about, and a nice guide to what endures. The current rage for "homekeeping" probably would have pleased her, as the basis of it is making people comfortable rather than knocking them upside the head with your worldly success. She also had a sort of innate ability to measure things, and to compose with her eye, like a really good candid photographer. However natural things appeared, her own description of a "typical" day makes one think of show business. She was a life force, and no family can ever make up for the gap someone like this leaves, I am sure, but this book is a fine eulogy, which works the way the great ones do: it's an encouragement to more life. Sister Parish seems thoroughly to have enjoyed hers.



3. One of the legendary designers of any period - this book by the granddaughter and daughter of Sister Parish is a terrific testament to the legacy this lady left on the decorating world. It's chatty without being gossipy, plus you get a real feel of how Sister decorated. Thoroughly enjoyable and readable!



4. I couldn't put Sister down once I started reading it. It was a great tribute by the daughter and granddaughter of one of the most interesting, eccentric and outlandishly one-of-a-kind people I've ever encountered in print, or anywhere else for that matter. She was so fascinating as to be almost a figment of someone's imagination. What I really appreciated was that even though Mrs. Parish could be cruel (telling her chauffeur "turn left, stupid", etc.,) most people (including her chauffeur) seemed to have liked her immensely. Her style of decorating is as fresh and likeable today as it must have been back when she first got started. And it's lovely to read about someone whose relatives obviously adored her. No Mommie Dearest here! Such a treat.



5. This book is a fascinating account of the life of a woman from a privileged social background who defended tradition while breaking with it completely: starting her own business, forming friendships in the art and design world, painting the antique mahogany tables red and stripping the stained wood floors. An oral history told by the people who knew her best, "Sister" illustrates by their varying perspectives how Sister Parish was many things to many, very different people, and how creative, innovative talent can override even the inherited attitudes of the people who possess that talent to change taste and style. A very interesting, fun book: gossip, decorating tips, and all.

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.

No comments about California Country Style.

1 comments about The House of Leleu: Classic French Style for a Modern World, 1920-1973.

1. Just as there are specific interior designers who have achieved international acclaim for their work, so there are interior decorating firms that have achieved world wide reputations for the enduring quality of their accomplishments. Such a company was the family firm of Leleu who first came to prominence for their Art Deco style in Paris, France during the 1920s and maintained a world-wide reputation second to none until they finally closed their doors in 1973. In the 1950s they were acclaimed for the luxury and refinement of the Villa Medy Roc in Cap d'Antibes, the grand salons of the Geneva, Switzerland based League of Nations, to their many projects throughout New York City. Of special note was their work with interior design of the elegant French passenger ships of the 1920s and 1930s such as the 'Ile-de'France' and the 'Normandie', and in 1962, the 'France' -- last of the great French ships. Now a compendium of the best of their work with respect to decorating private homes, embassies, offices, public institutions, furniture, textiles, carpets, wall paper and more are showcased in "The House Of Leleu: Classic French Style for A Modern World 1920-1973". Profusely enhanced with both black & white as well as color illustrations, " The House Of Leleu" was prepared under the direction of Francoise Siriex and ably translated into English by Eric A. Bye. This 480-page compendium is informed and informative, a veritable showcase of more than fifty years of Leleu's distinctive interior designs, and a critically important addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library 20th Century Interior Design reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

5 comments about KISS Guide to Feng Shui (Keep It Simple Series).

1. Whew! Thank you for delivering a book that sets apart the American "New Age" Feng Shui from the Traditional Chinese Feng Shui derived from Science and Math.
   
   Feng Shui is more than rearranging furniture and hanging mirrors. This book delves into the history, the reasoning, common sense, and the scientific.
   
   It explains that BELIEF and CULTURE is the reasoning for hanging bagua mirrors and other remedies-a physical reminder in the home of tradition. Much like wearing a cross pendant is the ever present reminder of Christian faith. It makes no sense at all for people to hang flutes from their ceilings if they don't know why they are doing it-although this book does explain the mythology and reasoning involved.
   
   Far more valuable are the chapters explaining the calculation of your personal Kua number, the use of a Lo Pan, and other Compass School information.
   
   The history detailed makes a nice backdrop for the information, though if you're impatient you can skip it and not be lost when you get to the meat of the book.
   
   I've had this book for years and its served me well as a reference for when I go apartment hunting. I also reference it when designing floor plans for my dream home-a long term hobby of mine.
   
   Great book, laid out well and informative. [..] . I highly recommend KISS Feng Shui as a resource that delivers on scientific feng shui and common sense, while putting "American New Age/Black Hat/Intuitive" Feng Shui in its place.



2. I'm still trying to get into this book. There is a lot of subject matter with mulitple origins, interpretations and applications of feng shui. Whew! I'm not finding this KISS publication to be that simple. However, lots of info and pictures!



3. The Keep it Simple Series distinguishes itself from other series like the Idiot and Dummie Guides by its extensive use of color and photographs. However, the superior content far outweighs the appealing cosmetics of the book's layout and design. In a nutsell, Stephen Skinner knows what he's talking about. In fact, he's a world renowned expert in the field as well as the author of one of my favorite feng shui books, The Living Earth Manual of Feng Shui. In his KISS book, Stephen provides an excellent overview of what feng shui is and how it can help you maximize your health, wealth, and relationships. It's well-organized and easy to read. Impliment his practical advice and you'll witness first hand feng shui's power. A thousand kow tows Stephen for elevating this Chinese practice! Nice work.



4. According to this book, my desk is in the wrong place. Although I have no choice, I've noticed I'm more edgy with the door behind me and when someone enters my office, I feel that if I was sitting with my back towards the wall, I would feel more comfortable and in control of my environment. My only problem is having to look at the computer wires, which would annoy me more.
   
   So, I think there is something to be said for furniture placement, when practical.
   
   Being of the thought process that there is something to be learned from everything, you can try to take what you need from this book to help encourage an environment you will feel comfortable in.
   
   The Chapters Include:
   
   What is Feng Shui? - Wind Water, a connection to natural elements. "Flow"
   is also an important element. It is not a religion or magic.
   Who Does Feng Shui and Why?
   A Look at Feng Shui's History
   Gods, Graves, and Feng Shui Masters
   Ch'i and Alignments
   The Building Blocks of Feng Shui
   Chinese Cosmology
   The Trigrams and the Lo Shu
   Feng Shui Inside Your Home
   Living Rooms, Dining Rooms and Bedrooms
   Bathrooms, Kitchens and Corridors
   Business Feng Shui and Color
   The Four Celestial Animals
   Feng Shui Outside Your Home
   Water Dragon Feng Shui
   The Feng Shui Garden
   The Eight Mansion Formula
   Feng Shui Remedies
   Symbolic Feng Shui
   The East Life/West Life Formula
   Time and the Calendar
   Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches
   Compass School Feng Shui Tools
   
   Some of the ideas I incorporated into my own home without even knowing they were Feng Shui concepts was the use of mirrors. It does definitely create a feeling of energy in a room that would otherwise feel closed in.
   
   If you are very, very serious about Feng Shui or extremely curious, this book has more than you will ever want to know.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



5. I found the book to be a little bit boring. I wanted to know how to change my home to fit into the Feng Shui philosophy and it gave me more of a background of Feng Shui. That is great, I am glad I know all of that now, but I didn't find any practical ways to change my home.

1 comments about Remodeling for Easy Access Living (Popular Mechanics Money Smart Makeovers).

1. Although a well organized book with plenty of color photos, I could find most of the information contained is this book free online. Additionally, most topics are given only a shallow once-over...probably because the author chose to cover such a wide swath. Save your money. Do a web search on "Universal Design".

1 comments about 25 Apartments and Lofts Under 1000 Square Feet.

1. I've got about 20 books on the subject and almost nothing compares to the quality of pictures, the descriptions, and the selection of this book. Most of the other loft books re-use the same old photos in book after book while these all look original. The solutions to relatively small spaces are exciting and beautiful and you don't get the sense that small equals poor or cheap. Many of the lofts include schematic drawings which make relative sense of the photos. Finally ,these are mostly expensive smallish lofts where people seem to have executed on their vision first and dealt with cost constraints second - this makes it an excellent source for inspiration regardless of your budget. If you have a small loft, I seriously recommend this book.