1 comments about New Paris Interiors.

1. I'm going to love poring over this book over and over again. It's impossible to look through it all at once, anyway, it's so big and the visual onslaught is overwhelming. Being a middle-class, Great Plains middle-aged person, I will never see these apartments and rooms myself, but it's fun to see how world-class artists, musicians, actors, directors, designers and financiers like to decorate their homes. Some of them, I swear, are compulsive collectors - stuff *everywhere*! Most are beautiful rooms, lending lots of ideas or at least daydreams for one's own home.
   
   The photography is lovely; the text is in blocks of English, French, and German, so if you want to practice your French or German, this is a fun way to do it. If you're a Francophile, like me, it's entertaining and educational peering through those windows out to the Parisian sights.
   
   My only complaint is how huge the book is; it's not a lap-book, that's for sure. It is definitely worth the money, in my opinion.

5 comments about My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living.

1. I adored this book. I loved the stories and I loved the IDEAS. Now, pay attention: He doesn't lay out a formula for decorating and yes his rooms are a little "over the top." Would I have two giant chinese dogs on my patio? No..., BUT, I'm on the hunt for two smaller ones because I loved the idea. His other concepts -- using tassles in unexpected places, usuing color, pillows, adding "whimsy" -- are all concepts I'm using now in my home.
   
   I have two tassles now hanging from sconces that adorn my old Boston home. His vision also inspired me to see decorating in a new way and step out of the traditional paradigm. I'm combining prints, using bold colors, pairing different period pieces together. And ya know what? It looks GREAT and now our home is starting to reflect not just my style, but my husband's as well.
   
   Finally, his opening chapter is a forward by his life partner, who attests that decorating and your surroundings really *do* have an impact on your relationship. And ya know what? He's right!
   
   Great book, Jonathan. Keep writing more!



2. If you need a reason to smile, crack this book open and get ready to be inspired! Jonathan Adler is a decorator that definitely knows his style and isn't afraid to step out of the box to achieve that look. I was transported back to the 60s and 70s when many of the looks displayed in this book were popular. I am a huge fan of color and believe that we should all "feather our nests" with a look that brings a smile to our face when we walk through our front door. Jonathan agrees...and delivers! This book is very enjoyable and, even if you don't subscribe to his aesthetic, I think you can still appreciate the fun personality of this artistic and creative author. I keep this book out on my table for easy access and refer to it often.



3. I bought this book for a friend's holiday gift, but liked it so much that I ended up keeping it.
   
   That being said, if you are looking for an instructional interior decorating book, this is not it.
   
   It's filled with vibrant colors, interesting designs, and cute anecdotes.
   
   If you have a few extra bucks, it's a nice treat - fluffy and light.



4. I don't normally write a review like this, but, what a terrible book! There is no motivational essence whatsoever,
   "throw a bunch of junk in a room, take a picture and call yourself a decorator". my friend said.
   "..only a mind of chaos and confusion would do this to a room", other friend.
   I ordered this book as a gift because I thought it was about decorating. We had a good laugh before I returned it. A nice chance to find out how close a friendship is.
   Lots of pictures of Mr. Adler.
   This book does have humor, ahem, but there are way better resources for decorating and humor. (good-grief, am I ever reaching for something "positive")
   If one can make colorful dull this man can and does. The book is about Mr. Adler promoting Mr. Adler.
   If you are not a "hollywood type..." stay clear. if this book represents the "hollywood type...", then I pity the "hollywood type..."
   It seems to be a picture book promoting the authors personal lifestyle. "A useless scrapbook" were the words of the gift recipient.
   "More like a coffee table book to find in the house of one, without goodtaste, who fantasizes a "hollywood lifestyle" not a decorator interest". Check it out carefully so you know you do share HIS tiresome, self-centered style and interests.
   As decorating help...his ideas are dated, limited and lacking in unity.
   A good experience in dealing with informational rip-off.



5. Well worth the money for this book! This book is awash with spectacular ideas for everyone's decorating tastes. Adler truly has the decorator's touch -- decorating a room without looking too overdone.

2 comments about The Smart Approach to Small-Space Living (Smart Approach).

1. I was looking for a how to decorating book for my condo and this book was amazingly helpful. Granted some of the spaces had more square footage and light than my space does, but the book was great! There are so many "apartment" decor books that are for spaces that are 2000 sf or lofts; not my situation at all and I had almost given up on finding a good book until I read the reviews of this one. I've referenced this book several times and it, along with several Idea Books, gave me great perspective and direction and I have succeeded and turning my cookie cutter condo into a one of a kind cozy place that I love.



2. I'm a college student that struggles with trying to keep a neat and orderly apartment, and having furniture that seems to be too large for my small rooms makes it kind of hard to keep a clean and organized appearance. I didn't know they made books on the subject of decorating and organizing small houses and apartments, until my best friend passed along this awesome book. Remember how I mentioned I had big furniture? Well it seems to work right with my small rooms now just by some juxtapositions of the furniture and simple modifications of the room. I didn't fully understand how the color of the walls could really change the appearance of a room's size, along with the patterns, lighting, and accents. Well now that my apartment looks cool and is highly functional, all I have to do is find a way to STAY organized.

5 comments about Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s.

1. Widely covered mid-century master pieces by famous designers. If you are interested in vintage furnitures, this would be your great guide.



2. Excellent text as well as photos. It has been a collector's reference for me for years now.
   Highly recommended.



3. This is a wonderful coffee table book, a joy to browse through. It is profusely illustrated and contains a wealth of information.
   If you like modern design I also suggest to visit the wonderful online archive about George Nelson at WWW.GEORGENELSON.ORG and also the museum archive from Verner Panton at WWW.VERNERPANTON.COM



4. My sister has just bought a 1950's ranch home with some original features. I was hoping this book would help celebrate the house and give some ideas as to decor. Instead, it is a good overview of the furniture designers who influenced the furniture of the time. It's nice, but not what I was looking for, which was the physical living space/furnishings of the middle class of the 50's.



5. Not that it ever really went away, but it appears that the GEN-X crowd is interesting in filling their lofts, condos, etc. with a touch of class and history. Those in the design know have always favored the elements of design that existed in the 50's and 60's, like they say good design is truly timeless. It would have been nice to see more coverage on DUNBAR and Edward Wormley.

   This is a great book - buy it!

5 comments about Color in Interior Design.

1. This was a required text for a design class. I found it pretty useful (in conjunction with the other text), and ended up keeping both for reference books when the class was completed.



2. Well written and informative. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about color.



3. As a lay person just interested in learning more about the use of color in interior design, this was an excellent book. While the first several chapters were very "text bookish", the remainder was very layman friendly. I feel more confident in undertaking color projects in my home and in conversing about the use of color with friends, who are now asking my opinions. The chapters that helped me the most were on the color wheel and color relationships. I enjoyed it and will now pursue my interest in color and design.



4. There are zillions of books on this complex world of color.
   
   This one is the best for all Interior Designers, students and teachers, it is written by John F. Pile, an authority in Interior Design. You will enjoy learning the Color Systems for your business, and covers the historical aspect of of the Bauhaus School of Design, and also color in Historic Interiors, including artists and personal experiences.
   
   Michele Beatriz



5. it's a really helpful book for designers.you can find whatever you need about colors...

5 comments about THE ARCHITECTURE OF LIGHT: Architectural Lighting Design Concepts and Techniques.

1. THIS WAS AN INTERESTING READ ALL AROUND. VERY INFORMATIVE, AND WELL WRITTEN. I ENJOYED THE SHORT CHAPTERS, IT MADE IT EASIER TO TO PICK UP WHERE I LEFT. THE AUTHOR DOES A GREAT JOB OF EXPLAINING LIGHTING IN A WAY THAT ANYONE CAN UNDERSTAND, NOT JUST PEOPLE IN THE LIGHTING FIELD. GOOOD JOB SAGE.



2. This book offers students a great introduction to the world of lighting design. It contains a logical path through this design process while giving the reader a sufficient amount of examples, pictures, etc. along the way. Having used this text myself, I feel it was an excellent course book and I am confident it will be a useful reference to have in the future.



3. This has sparked my interest in lighting design! This book is very useful. GET IT!!



4. This book is great, covering topics from reading manufactures cut sheets to the "physiology of vision." Its a great book to understand light and how light can be used. Perfect for design students!



5. INSPIRING, LEAVES YOU FEELING MORE KNOLEDGEABLE ABOUT LIGHTING DESIGN AND TECHNIQUES. GET THIS BOOK AND YOU WILL NEVER FEEL INTIMIDATED ABOUT LIGHTING LIKE YOU DID BEFORE.

5 comments about The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions.

1. This book gives you a wealth of knowledge and ideas. There are no "how to's" in the book however, so if you need sewing directions, you will need another reference. But there are charts on how to figure how much material you will need, and little hints about the types of fabrics that will look good and what to avoid with the different designs, so it is an excellent reference up to the point of actually making the drapes or curtains yourself.



2. Found this book very informative illustrative hence beneficial in my work . Thanks much
   Austin



3. As an interior decorating shop, this book is an integral part of our work station. It helps us with practically every custom job we fabricate. Whether you are a professional, or just interested in decorating as a hobby, it educates you on every level, and is user-friendly. We highly recommend.



4. Spiral-bound, ALL in color, ALL illustrations in full color. Beautiful book, and very easy to use, with the tabs it has that open it to the specific chapter I want.
   The detailed instructions for materials needed, and construction, are excellent.



5. This fifth edition has all the sketches in color. Just to give you an idea of how comprehensive this is, there are 19 pages showing valances, with five per page. I love this book, as it really opened our minds to the variety of styles available for windows. No more boring windows.
   There's even a section for draperies, swags and valances used with beds.
   I particularly liked the section "Windows With a Challenge" that showed solutions for such issues as an air conditioner in a double-hung window or dealing with arched top windows.
   This has two index sections in the back. One is the usual word index and the other is a 38 page visual index showing the windows in black-and-white thumbnail sketches.
   It's terrific, not just for professional decorators, but for all individuals wanting a new look for their home.
   (I hope you find this review helpful, and if you do, please click yes.)

5 comments about Mexicolor: The Spirit of Mexican Design.

1. A really beautiful book. One of the best I have seen. I live in Mexico and will be using many ideas.



2. While I was in the process of planning and building my next casa in Baja, this book provided mucho inspiration. The Spanish Colonial, and Hacienda designs, the avalanche of colors and gardens provided me the basis of making mi casa as Mexico as I could.
   Yes, the binding is weak, but the book remains as an Essential. I now have 2 copies, one very worn out copy.



3. If you love the bold, life-affirming colors of Mexican houses and interiors but not necessarily the traditional architecture and furnishings of the mexican tradition, this is the book for you! I ordered several books on Mexican interiors and details and this was the best. It gave me great ideas for using bold, bright color in my house without turning it into a hacienda. The book is beautifully designed and the color just blows off the pages. It has in it everything I love about Mexico that is bright, lively, joyous, and enlivening and nothing that is stodgy. As An artist, I found the book irresistable.



4. i've been to colonial mexico, and i've seen more exciting stuff than what's on this book. also, the pages come appart easily



5. I have always loved everything about Mexico, especially their use of color. When I bought my new house I wanted to bring that freedom and joy into my home.
   
   This book was a wonderful guide. Almost every page reminded me to let go and celebrate. There are so many visual feasts and ideas. If you are timid about colors this book will definitely give you a new lease on life.

1 comments about New Seaside Interiors.

1. The book is just great. The pictures in this book will take you to bomb-shell destinations around the world.All the pictures are innovative.Since there is side by side translation in French , you can take a free course in French too at no extra cost.
   
   Dr.Jayan Thomas
   Cannanore, Kerala, India.670001

5 comments about Greene and Greene: Masterworks.

1. A superb look a the Greene Brother's masterpiece ultimate bungalows. It includes some of the best Greene and Greene photography I've ever seen, and has a very good look at the details of the architecture, and the internals of the Greene and Greene houses. This book focuses more on the houses themselves, and the fixed appointments therein, rather than the furniture itself. Influences on the Greenes are coupled with a well laid out timeline give you a real view into the evolution of their style.



2. Excellent! The best book on this subject I've ever seen...



3. Superb photoraphic illustration depicts the design genius of the Greene brothers. A comprehensive study of leading architects of the Arts & Crafts movement...a high compliment to the monumental craftsmanship of those who executed their designs.



4. The book is beautiful, filled with both architectural ideas and furnishing ideas for items done in the craftsman style. I purchased the book for these ideas and was delighted with all the pictures. Some of the stonework illustrated is breathtaking in its beauty.



5. We were very disappointed at the quality of printing, inferior paper stock, and lack of clarity in the photographs. At the "coffee table" price we were expecting much higher resolution in the color photographs and better quality paper.