5 comments about Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint.

1. Being in this house must be like walking around in a dream.This man is highly gifted!



2. The exquisite cover of this book embraces you from the start and continues that embrace throughout the pages and pages of beautiful photos and very helpful how-to instructions. This book kick-starts your imagination into the beauty of our surroundings, in and around your home.
   
   The heart of this artist, Curtis Heuser, is found in every photo, detail, and writing of this awe-inspiring book. By opening the pages--
   "YOUR HOME" can truly become "A LIVING CANVAS".



3. Mr. Heuser accomplished his mission! His book is, indeed, truly inspiring and encouraging!The personalized narrative piqued my interest in exploring each process and project in his home renovation--not just the ones of particular interest to me. I gleaned marvelous insights regarding the use of color and ways to create added warmth and meaning to a space. The before, during and after illustrations inspire confidence, as do the detailed materials/sources lists. From my experience, as a lay person, this is by far the best publication I've found on the subject. Heuser's talent is awe inspiring and his passion for art cannot help but engage any reader in the creative process--individually, or in partnership with someone who can help to create a living canvas for their home. Curtis Heuser and North Light Books have done a splendid job in producing a book that will be loved and appreciated by many!



4. Very motivating book. Excellently detailed instructions. Mr. Heuser is very creative with color ,texture and design.



5. I have worked with many different designers on interior design for new construction. This book would be an invaluable tool in creating new spaces while giving them an older feel. Not everyone wants their new home to feel new. These procedures give a home warmth and character.
   I have personally toured this home and the effect of all of these designs together in one home is just simply amazing. Kudos to Curtis for having the patience and vision to put together this amazing book.

5 comments about Windows and Doors (Build Like A Pro).

1. Good book, but title is misleading, more about proper installation of windows & doors rather than fabrication of doors & windows. Title should be "Install Like a Pro"



2. I have a 100 + years old house with the original windows. They have a section on Tuning Up Old Windows which I found very helpful. There are only a few pages on this subject for old windows. The information is straight forward and to the point.



3. I checked this book out of the library mainly for a few chapters that contained info on Pocket Doors and Fixing Door Problems. The book covers almost everything you can think of to address installing doors and windows, including putting new doors in old frames. It gives you pointers on choosing windows and doors including how various components operate. I didn't know there were so many types of windows operating styles to choose from out there!
   
   I found this book very helpful and confirmed that I wanted to hire a professional! The pocket door section seemed a little slim to me, but that might be because I had no clue about what they were doing. It's definitely not a step-by-step. LOL. Even though some of the projects in this book might be DIY, many of the complex projects would probably require a professional, unless you've done some type of construction-type work.



4. I have read every book that I could find on windows and doors and found this one to be the best bar none. The pictures are fantastic and the helpful tips are worth the price of the book and then some. Also, the book is very easy to understand which is not the case with a lot of books out there on the subject.



5. I've been trying to find all the information I can on the tricks to hanging doors. You won't find all the answers in one book, but this one has a lot of information on how to solve problems. I might add that there is a very good video by "Tom Law, Installing Doors and Windows" that gives you a good idea of how to properly hang doors. Seeing someone in action is a lot easier than reading a book. I've read this particular book 3 times now looking for all of the tricks of the trade. If you are like me, you've installed a door and said, "why is it doing that?". If you can identify a problem or prevent one, then that can save you a great deal of time. This book deals with a lot of issues, like out of plumb walls and cross legged jambs. I would also add "Gary Katz, installing and hanging doors" book to your library and you will have 3 fine sources to become a professional installer. I have all 3 and have recently installed 2 perfect exterior doors. I'm not a pro yet, but I am a lot closer. There is a lot of satistaction in installing a door correctly. Have fun.

5 comments about Practical Pole Building Construction: With Plans for Barns, Cabins, & Outbuildings.

1. This book is fine, as far as it goes, but does not address the trend towards using cast concrete pole bases and untreated poles rather than using direct-burial treated poles.



2. This is a very complete book that doesn't leave the reader asking for details like so many others. It's written so beginners can understand it and it contains all the design criteria, load tables, joint details, and so forth that an experienced builder needs to get a building permit and construct a building. Seddon inlcudes practical "how to" answers beginning with construction of a temporary frame to lift tall poles into holes in the ground without killing yourself trying. Framing and jointing details, connections, siding, windows and finish are all here. I built many stick frame homes over several years and was looking for information on construction of a pole frame home. I found it very useful and practical.



3. Although the book had some helpful hints I was looking for more practical instructions on how to build a pole barn. The book did not go in deepth enough and had little information on pole barns. I was looking for ideas to help setting the floor grade and where to get started after lay-out is finished



4. This book is very good. The information is presented in great detail in a very useable way. I found myself wanting to build with poles! Highly recomended.
   Sincerly, Adelbert M. Vinal Jr.



5. I'm 2/3 done with a garage that's based on a plan in this book. I'm using this book for pole barn-specific info, and "Building a Multi-Use Barn : For Garage, Animals, W..." for the rest. Together, these two books give me enough information, without going overboard. Good luck to you; I'm having a blast!

5 comments about Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style.

1. Not only are her featured interiors stunning (as always) but the fab Ms. Wearstler goes the distance with great photography and writing to highlight it to its fullest. Honestly, a real gem and a must-have for any book collection on interiors.



2. I purchased this book for my sister, who is a design student about to graduate in 05/08, because Kelly Wearstler is her favorite designer. My sister already had one of Ms Wearstler's books and loved it so much that when she asked for her newest book I thought it would be a great Christmas gift. However, I didn't realize that the book she already had was Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style. When I gave her the book and she said that it was the one she already had I was very let down, but she did not want to return it. She said the copy she had was so worn out from use that she could never put it on her coffee table and that she loved it so much that she was more than pleased to have a brand new copy. Both my sister and I love Ms Wearstler's bold colorful design style and I was disappointed that her more resent books did not get better customer reviews, which is why I did not order one of them. I have since ordered Domicilium Decoratus anyway, since I was able to get such a good deal thru [...], and I'm looking forward to giving it to my sister for valentines' day.



3. She has the most amazing style. If you appreciate great design, you need this book!



4. My review says 5 stars. It should say 1 star. I couldn't edit it for some reason.
   
   Boy you can't fool Stylemaven (yours truly). I have every design mag and book written (no brag, just fact). I had to buy this one just to be able to say I have every design mag and book ever written. . . . Anyway, this chick should stop having her assistants buy all the old House & Garden mags from the 1960's and 1970's and then regurgitating it in different colors. She's hit on a trend (dying trend? hopefully) doing the 70's stuff (and it wasn't that great then), but it's gonna date really fast. Part of her appeal is the model-thinness and being semi-photogenic I think. But overall, a design lightweight. All the graphic stuff photographs great. But see it in person? It looks really, really cheap.



5. I bought this book thinking it would actually discuss design, but all it talks about is the author's/designer's methodologies, not necessarily exploring other facets or designers of glamorous style. Also, it's littered with photos of Kelly, nearly 20 to be exact. Are they all of her working in her surroundings? No, they are her, posed like a prop in a movie set, sitting at the beach or gazing at antiques on her fabulous travels. What? They do nothing to reinforce her work, it seems only to prove how fabulous she is. Her designs are quite beautiful and sumptuous, but reading about 'me' and 'my' and 'I' gets tiring. Pretty to look at, I suppose good reading material if you can't fall asleep. I kinda wish I had bought this book used instead of paying full price.

5 comments about The Not So Big House Collection (Susanka).

1. Although a few people panned this book we found them somewhat useful.
   Good picts to give us ideas for our future retirement house.
   Although she talks about a green/passive solar house, the pictures detail don't quite bring in what you'd expect to make it a great renewable energy home.
   we liked the books as guide on how to think of ways to work on a decent price and size to live in.
   2000=2500 sqft is the max we want. didn't think about staggering the ceiling height great idea.
   since we wanted an open floor plan we plan to use tips from here to design up our texas house.



2. Susanka's series demonstrates that bigger is NOT better. Her focus on livable details to enhance the home environment are valuable to anyone who's considering remodeling.
   
   Grandiose over-development of some homes in our older neighborhood encouraged me to consider another solution.
   
   I recommend this collection.



3. Sarah Susanka has managed to give us an understanding of why so many modern homes do not "feel right". Forcing us to think about how we really live on a daily basis she looks at what we need to feel really comfortable and how best to achieve it. This is not a one solution fits all but the thinking persons guide to pesonal solutions. Her ideas are based on a lifetime of dealing with different people and their wants and needs even looking at some time in England as a child. Forcing us to change the commercial idea of "bang for bucks" into lifestyle comfort, she has made me look at what I really need in my home.
   If only we could find mass produced houses that really suit the masses.



4. Quick and easy transaction. Fast to get it shipped out. Very satisfied with condition and entire sales process!



5. Nice reference and will hopefully be useful on our next project. Good photo ideas.

No comments about Great Houses Of Texas.

5 comments about Serious Straw Bale: A Home Construction Guide for All Climates (Real Goods Solar Living Book.).

1. This is a great book and for anyone thinking of building in a damp climate a must have. Great information about the various ways of doing things, allowing the reader to make the best choice for their site, budget and level of skill. Covers wet weather considerations better than most other books. A good addition to your straw bale library.
   
   One warning, in this book the straw bale slab system is detailed but has since been shown to be a not so good idea so I would reccommend separate research on that subject.



2. I've been doing research for a house I'm hoping to build in 5 to 10 years, and straw bale is one of the wall systems I'm seriously considering. This book was extremely informative. I confess I often skimmed past sections dealing with cold, wet climates (I live in Arizona), but sometimes I read through them just because they were so interesting. If you're considering using this wall system for your own project, this book is a good place to start.



3. Everything you ever wanted to know about building a straw home from the ground up can be found in this manual.



4. I recommend this book with certain caveats. There is certainly some good information in the book and led me to some ideas that never occurred to me before, but the information is uneven, more than a little poorly organized and requires the reader to make some connections to pull the whole together.
   
   The authors give an overview of many ways to do things, but almost never come to any conclusions on how things should be done. Many systems are discussed, some in detail and some not. The interactions of these systems the readers are considering should be explored as well as certain combinations are sure to cause problems in construction or in the life of the building. Of course as the authors note many times this style of construction is experimental and that is half the fun but I am buying the book to get the benefit of others experience.
   
   The authors' ideology is evident in many parts, as well as an assumption that their readers have similar opinions. This can get a little annoying as they wax rhapsodic about the spiritual connections to the materials and decry modern industrial techniques. In some cases they probably make good points, but for those to whom straw bales are a means to an end- comfortable, efficient and non-toxic housing- space in the book would be better reserved for technical opinions than spiritual ones. Thankfully they do everyone a great service by disabusing fellow travelers of a few romantic illusions about straw bale and other edgy building techniques.
   
   Illustrations in the book are an annoying aspect. Some are good and clearly depict what the authors words have trouble with. Other times they will start talking about a technique without defining it, or when they did define it I found my self wishing they just gave me a good picture.In a few cases, they give a picture, they give a discription, but are missing a label or other indicator that would easily tie it together and make sense. A well detailed sketch is worth at least a page of prose.
   
   Finally for a book that extols the beauty of bale construction, they would do well to get a better photographer to do their pictures. Most of the photos in the book are awful and if readers are not already familiar with some bale buildings they may be more scared than attracted. One might get the idea that bale buildings are dark, dingy, dreary and populated by scary strange people. They are not (usually).
   
   Sadly, this book is more useful than most on the subject of straw bales. If you are considering working with bales, I would recommend this book before starting any project... just don't let the pictures scare you away.



5. Let me just say that if you are going to buy only one book on straw bale home construction, this is the one. It is very comprehensive and enlightening. I am very happy with this purchase. This book is written for us who plan to build our own homes, step by step, begining to end it is all here. Not just a collection of pretty pictures but the real deal. Also I think the price very reasonable considering the amount of information, insight, tutorials pictures, advice and encouragement given. Delivery from Amazon, as always, was fast.

5 comments about Insulate and Weatherize: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Build Like A Pro).

1. This book gives credible (not just a repeat of info on manufacturer websites) coverage of insulation, air leakage, ventilation, moisture problems, etc. and handles each subject with respect to different climates. I learned a lot and it helped me make decisions in the renovation of a 60 year old house.



2. same great features of other books in the series (pro tips, what can go wrong...). these books are thorough and informative.



3. This is the best book and only book you will need on insulating and weatherizing your house. We have gained much insight and valuable information to make our house more energy effcient. The author will also (for a fee) come to your house and evaluate and recommend what you need to do. We cannot say enough about this book.



4. I think of all the poor suckers who pay $50,000 for new windows when they could accomplish more energy savings quicker, easier, and for only a couple hundred bucks even if they hire out the work using the suggestions of this book. Everthing you think you know about saving home energy is wrong! Read this book instead! Incredibly detailed and photographed. If you can't do it yourself then hire it out -- but DO IT!



5. Sealing up your home envelope (the border between conditioned and unconditioned spaces) and proper insulation are the most cost effective improvements you can make in a home to significantly reduce your energy consumption while improving comfort. This book is a guide based on a professionals experiences, teaches the best ways to make those improvements, and educates you on why and how. Though it's scope is constrained around insulating and weatherizing, it's the best reference in that space I've found.

5 comments about Home Work: Handbuilt Shelter.

1. followed by several days flipping through again and again, searching for my favorites...beautiful pictures. I could have done with more "on the road" pics and less (what I would refer to as) "normal" houses...I can see those kinds when I look out the window...but that's just a personal preference....I wish he'd take all the extra stuff he said he had and put it on a website or publish another book. I'd buy it!



2. MUST HAVE FOR ALL couchpotatoe MALES, and anyone who has dreams! This is such a fantastic book: inspiring and creative and so marvelous to see so many passionate people out their DOING THEIR THING! Get up from your desktops, ladies and gentlemen, stop the online dating circus and do something satisfying: BUILD YOUR OWN SHELTER. Lord knows I want to after pouring through every inch of every page and these great photos and life stories. Thanks, Mr. Lloyd!



3. this book is even better then the other books by Lloyd Kahn, and i didnt think that was possible. The photographs are outstanding, the text interesting, informative, and captures thoughts, people, homes and places of times past, present and some that look futuristic! This book is for anyone who has a passion for architecture, and culture. a great coffee table book.



4. This book is absolutely stunning. I spent hours poring over the pictures. It's mostly pictures of creative, unique houses people have built, with a few stories about builders' experiences and techniques.
   It will put into perspective the amount to which we have limited ourselves when it comes to traditional housing. It shows how a house is not just shelter, but art, expression, and passion as well.
   This will inspire you!



5. This book has been sitting on my toilet for about a month. its one of those. you can reread it and look at those photos many times before you get tired of it. plus this book gives you many links to other sources or information. which really is its strongest point. you look, find a style you like, and then can look up more books on the subject.

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

1. 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.



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



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



4. Great overview of MCM style, but not as complete of descriptive as I expected.



5. Could someone possibly put together a better tome on Mid-Century Modern interiors than this exquisite piece by Bradley Quinn? They'd have one helluva tough time trying.
   
   This book is fairly short and slim, yet every single page and photograph has relevance. Each photograph is of some aspect of a home interior and is absolutely fantastic. Not a single wasted shot. I'm assuming that the majority of people interested in this book are admirers of 1950s decor and would like to incorporate elements of this into their homes. What is so wonderful about this book is that the pictures themselves are of contemporary homes that have been decorated in that Mid-Century style, resulting in achieving that look without appearing dated - certainly the effect that I'm striving for! You want elegant beige lounges or loud primary colored kitchens? It's all here. And you just gotta dig the living room on p.42! Wow - have red and yellow ever been used to such devastating effect in such circumstances? And this is just one example of many.
   
   Although it's doubtful that people buy books like these for their text, I think in this case, they'll be glad they did. Quinn discusses at great length the various components that made up the Modern style, providing tremendously useful ideas for home decor. He doesn't get into tedious sociological analysis like so many of these type of books do. Instead, he goes straight to the interesting stuff - how mid-century modern arose within the history of design, the components of the architecture and the lifestyles of the homeowners back then. Each chapter is broken down into a different aspect of decor - color, materials, lighting etc. Why can't all interior design books be arranged in this way?
   
   I can absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for '50s ideas for their home. I doubt I'd ever need to buy another book on this topic. Unless Quinn sticks in more pictures for a second edition.