Book Description

Reviews (1)

Insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring and more
Part of the outstanding "Smart Guide" series from Creative Homeowner, Basements: Step-By-Step Projects is a no-nonsense, "user friendly" collection of step-by-step projects to insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring, eliminate moisture problems and much more in the basement of one's home. Color photographs, diagrams, and detailed instructions distinguish this excellent do-it-yourself resource which is confidently recommended for personal "do-it-yourself" and Interior Design technical reference shelf collections. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether it’s down the street or across the globe, this book uncovers and explores the most obscure and the most innovative bars, pubs, and cafes, as well as coffee houses, hotel lounges, and Internet cafes that exist today. This book takes the reader around the world in search of the most interesting designs in the most cosmopolitan cities, including London, Venice, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Osaka.

Not a feature goes unnoticed, from the enticing entrances and intriguing interiors, to the creation of logos and graphics and how they can best contribute to the space’s appeal. Designers, would-be entrepreneurs, current owners, and every client will enjoy this inspiring and satisfying tribute. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not a very useful book.
I own a pretty sucessful bar in Santa Barbara California and decided last year to give the restaurant biz a shot. I know I know, but I was drunk.

Anyway, before I could back out, the lease was signed, big pieces were moving...I was pretty freaked.

I decided to learn all I could about the biz. From Management, to Design I ordered a blizzard of books on those and other subjects.

In the design genre I was very disappointed with this book. I (like some other reviewers here) found the interiors to look dated and generally "uncool". That is very much a matter of opinion, but really, the best teacher for me in design was to simply cruise around and put my head in a bunch of restaurants.

I good book (just outside the design genre) that takes design into consideration (more from a functional standpoint) is a book called "Restaurants That Work: Case Studies of the Best in the Industry". I recommend that one highly.

Good luck.

Christian Hunter
Owner - Sevilla Restaurant, Santa Barbara California

A VERY GOOD COLLECTION OF NEW IDEAS
A usefull tool for all the people that are somehow involved in the restaurant bussiness.Lots of cool places around the world showing a huge amount of solutions and perpectives.

mediocre at best
I would not recommend this book to anyone who is seriously looking into the finer points of restaurant design. Many of the chosen establishments have a very dated look to them, the photography is not up to par (so its not even good enough for the coffee table) and overall this book is a big snore. I am disappointed enough to return it, which I will be doing today. Definitely not worth the price. For a better read, try Restaurants That Work, by Martin E. Dorf.

Inspiration Abounds
I truly enjoyed the pictorial nature of this book. The descriptive text is also written in a visual style. I would have liked to read more about the concept inspirations and possibly some costs and expense of the designs. i have visited some of these wonderful spaces and would also liked to have addresses to visit more "Bars, Pubs and Cafes" during my travels.

An Architect's Perspective...
As an architect who has considerable experience with designing Bars, Hotels, & similar hospitality spaces, I applaud Julie Taylor's overall creative vision. This publication's attention to detail, descriptive project narratives, and beautiful photography will satisfy the most critical designer; at the same time acting as a wonderful conversation piece for any casual reader. It's simply a beautiful book to look at! I reccommend this book as a great resource to architects & designers looking for inspiration; as well as anyone who appreciates interesting spaces, as opposed to the same old drabby places Americans have become accustomed to! ... Read more

Book Description

The first and only book of its kind, Designing Commercial Interiors provides students and professional designers with expert guidance on the full range of practical, aesthetic, and psychosocial issues involved in designing for nonresidential interiors. Drawing on nearly a half-century of experience as designers and interior design educators, the authors provide comprehensive coverage of planning and design for all types of organizations and service facilities.

Arranged for maximum ease of reference, the book comprises a series of self-contained chapters, each one providing comprehensive coverage of a specific category of commercial facility-including offices, hotels and lodgings, food and beverage facilities, retail facilities, health care facilities, institutional facilities, and banks. Each chapter begins with an overview of functional considerations, followed by an in-depth discussion of critical planning and design concepts and helpful, real-world examples. Chapters also include detailed information on key machine interface considerations, codes and regulations, and building systems, accompanied by professional-quality illustrations that help clarify issues related to space layouts, specialized equipment, and aesthetic concerns. In the concluding chapter, the authors provide valuable step-by-step guidance on project management for commercial interior designers.

The only single-volume guide to designing for all types of nonresidential interiors, Designing Commercial Interiors is an ideal reference for students of interior design. It is also an indispensable working resource for professional interior designers, especially for those interested in making the move into one of today's most rewarding design specialties.

The first and only comprehensive guide to the design of all types of nonresidential interiors.

Designing Commercial Interiors is both an excellent reference for interior design students and a valuable resource for professional interior designers considering taking a leap into nonresidential design. Drawing upon forty-five years of combined experience as commercial and residential interior designers, Christine Piotrowski and Elizabeth Rogers offer expert, step-by-step guidance on planning and designing for all types of nonresidential interiors -including offices, food and beverage facilities, health care facilities, lodgings, banks, and more. Illustrated with more than 200 line drawings and photographs, Designing Commercial Interiors covers all key aspects of the subject, including:
* Functional considerations
* Critical planning and design concepts
* Design applications
* Human/machine interface issues
* Building codes and regulations
* Building systems
* The changing office environment and alternative office environments
* Designing healthy work environments
* Project management ... Read more

Book Description

Interiors: An Introduction offers an introduction to the elements, practice, and aesthetics of residential and nonresidential interior design. The text presents timeless design principles and elements and their application to interiors. In addition, the authors describe the numerous choices of materials, furnishings, and components used in interior design. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Thorough and Educational
Interiors is a complete review of the interior design process. It covers lighting, furniture, fabric, wall treatments, and more. What makes this book so versatile is it's flexibility in being able to be used by someone interested in the profession, as well as those just casually interested in design. If you're building a new home, redecorating your current home, or interested in exploring the profession this book will prove incredibly helpful. It will give you the vocabulary and the how-to for going about a number of design problems. I would actually recommend the newer addition (which is more up-to-date), but can't write the review in that space yet.

Interiors:An Introduction
We are using this book in the interior design class. I think it's good textbook for me. I can learn history of interior by this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The English Room takes you on a room-by-room exploration of the English home, contrasting town with country life, rooms designed for pleasure with those for more practical needs, and rooms meant to receive visitors with those that are private retreats. Country cottages and London flats, high ceilinged drawing rooms and farmhouse kitchens all conjure up the essence of English life. Chippy and Keith Irvine cover the history and changes in customs that have contributed to the creation of the English home, providing inspiration for today's interior decorator. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Wonderful journey into the English Home
Fantastic photos of rooms that will make you want to light a fire, make a pot of tea, and settle into a warm and cozy space.

Highly recommended for those who want the look and feel of a truly English room.

Did not like the book.
This book has nothing common with the classical English style if you are looking for it. It has dark, gloomy and boring room photographs. But, it has a useful information in the introduction part as it explains the history and challenges in English decoration style from early periods until now.

Truley English
This is a good book, and you will like it if you favor English style. Some pictures are average, but I liked it. Very cool pictures of bathrooms though!

Great cover, but lacking inside
As a designer specializing in Anglo-American country, and as a long-time fan of Ms. Irving's husband, Keith Irvine's, work, I was disappointed in both the text--while well written it serves more as a history lesson I had in Grad. school about English style--and the color photos, which many have been re-hashed photos from Mr. Simon-Sikes out-dated drawer of negatives. The places explored and photographed are a narrow representation. More should and could have been done. The spectacular cover shot of the library, I wrongly assumed, was a hint of the special interiors inside. However, inside is a mixture of some good but mainly mediocre design ideas, albeit all English, with differeing interpretations. A better book overall is Colefax and Fowler's, which acts as a "bible" of the English Room design, much like I had hoped this book by Chippy Irvine might have been.

My grandmother would love this book
Grandma would love the rooms in this book. I'll be sure to get her a copy for the holidays. For the rest of us, this book is filled with one super-boring room after another. Zzzzzzzzzzz........ ... Read more

Book Description

Start with a warm tropical climate. Add an abundance of exotic natural building material. And then let the cross currents of Asian design and aesthetics create a rich architectural alchemy of its own. The result? The exquisite homes in the Philippines, a perfect balance of form and functionality. Tropical Living explores this dynamic experiment with breathtaking photography and a fascinating text.

Tropical Living examines diverse residential design styles in both the city and in the countryside, in mountains and at the sea. From a classic old-world penthouse in the Malate area to an Asian-fusion villa on Batangas Bay, over thirty private homes are showcased and captured in color photographs taken by noted photographer, Andrew Chester Ong. Featuring an introduction by anthropology professor, Fernando Nakpil Zialcita, this book is a feast for lovers of Southeast Asia and anyone interested in design concepts from this fascinating and under-representedcorner of the world. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Highly Recommended!
If you are into tropical architecture, this sure is the book for you! Not much text which makes it of "worth" + great photography! Before planning a house, this sure is a must-have! Houses featured here has its owne individuality and character! Dont miss it!...

A designing must
This is a beautifully photographed and well-organized showcase of wonderful Philippine homes. The range of houses covered is amazing and you're sure to get inspiration from one of the many fine examples of East meets West design as well as the seamless blend of Spanish, Malay, and Western heritage that the Philippines has. The homes are fabulous and even if you aren't thinking of redecorating, you will be after you finish it. One of the things that I particularly like about this is that unlike many books on Asian homes which focus only on either architectural design OR the interiors, this one gives a good balance of both. I just wish that the book had more pages.

Philippine Dream Homes
This was truly a feast for my senses. The Filipino elite is a highly sophisticated, well travelled, cosmopolitan, tropical, and casually elegant group who have developed a blended taste and style of their own. This book could be renamed "Tropical Dream Homes of the Philippines Rich and Famous". What is truly visible in this book is the rich diversity and fusion of the different cultures - Chinese, Spanish, Indonesian, Malaysian, and American - creating a Philippine cosmo-Asian blend. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

By far the most attractive introduction to interior design as it is practiced today, this comprehensive survey focuses on exciting solutions to the real problems of modern environmental circumstances, both residential and commercial. Of the more than 750 photographs and diagrams, over 200-most in color-are new to this lavishly produced third edition and reflect the vision of the most creative professionals working today. John Pile's long-awaited revision of his highly regarded text features:

* six new detailed case studies of projects by such noted contemporary designers as Adam Tihany, Maya Lin, and Moneo Brock Studio.
* exciting coverage of the new "hot" topics in the field, including "green" design, fiber optic and LED lighting, the reconfigurable workplace, boutique hotels, and digital technology.

Every chapter has been updated in organization, content, and visual examples to reflect the newest developments in this exciting field. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great book for anyone
I am not in school for Interior Design but I am very interested in learning more about it. This book was great for me because it provided a very complete overview of many areas of interior design. It addresses many issues at a high level such as color theory, the psychological impact of design on people, information about interior design for different types of spaces (home, office etc...). This book is very much a text book. If you are in design school or serious about wanting to know more about interior design in general this is a great book to start with and use as a reference.

INTERIOR DESIGN, BY JOHN F. PILE
THIS IS A VERY USEFULL BOOK IN INTERIOR DESIGN, I THINK IS THE BEST, BECAUSE EXPLAIN EVERITIHN ABOUT THE INTERIOR WORD OF DESIGN, IT COVER ALL ITEMS. CONGRATULATION MR. PILE.

A beautiful reference book
Without a doubt, my favourite book. Full of excellent photographs covering all aspects of interior design. This combines with a readable and informative text to produce a book that will be fascinating to the professional and layman alike.

Fantastic
I bought "Interior Design" when I was a design student and found it indispensible. This book outlines every aspect of interior design including residential, corporate, and hospitality. Unlike many design manuals its information and photographs are timeless. I am now a design professional and still find John Pile's book to be helpful to me. For anyone planning a career, working in the field or simply considering the leap this book is well worth the investment. For those who plan to take the NCIDQ (Design) Exam this book is recommended reading and a worthwhile purchase.

Great! Good for beginning and intermediate students .
This book covers almost every aspect of the design process.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

* Examines engineering issues to make them accessible to interior designers.
* Covered material includes acoustics, fire protection, and universal design. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

A Classic!
I also do own a lot of books on interior design, and when it comes to looking in to the opulent french style, this is a book to own. Even if you are not going to do a room like the ones he does (which I suppose is extremely rare) his ways which objects, placement of furniture, various kind of traditional pieces, combination of textures and colors will give very good direction for working with this kind of inspiration, rather than the usual more country/cotteny feel so often done by others. His illustrations are very detailed, leaves you wondering if they were done before (as a service to his clients) or after the room was finished. (For himself, I suppose). A book to own.

An Exquisite Book
I have an extraordinarily large library of books on interior design books and this one equals or surpasses the very best. The number and quality of the photos are without parallel. The book represents the very best in haute European design. Pinto's work now is rivaled only by Peter Marino's, others of this genre having died. The average homemaker looking for ideas to freshen up the family room will not find them here. But for anyone interested in seeing what perfection of detail looks like -- in upholstery, curtains, garniture, and the like -- every page of this book will show them. It is worth every penny of the price and should be in every interior designer's collection, if only to inform them and their clients of what superior upholstery design and lush color can do for a room. ... Read more

Book Description

The great estates of the Hudson River Valley offer some of the finest examples of grand-scale nineteenth-century American architecture and landscape design. The houses, built by the leading architects of the day, were country retreats for America's most illustrious families. With glorious river views, and grounds that sprawl over hundreds of acres, most of the estates are open to the public and have become popular tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. An introduction by architect and historian Michael Dwyer provides insight into the beauty and importance of the houses. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hudson River Mansions
This book is fantasic! I highly recommend it. It has loads of spectacular color photographs, and the mansions are breath taking. Being someone who has never visisted the area, this book really makes me consider a trip to New York, if only to see these mansions. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Not only was Claude Monet (1840-1926) a leading member of the impressionist movement, he was also, as this charming book reveals, a master interior decorator. A virtual room-by-room guided tour of Monet's beautiful and much-visited home at Giverny, this volume offers a vivid impression of daily life in the beloved house where the artist lived for 40 years with his second wife and their eight children. With its pink stucco walls, green shutters, and brightly painted original furniture, the house reveals Monet's brilliance and innovation as a colorist, which transcended his light-infused canvases to inform his choice of hues for wall paint and furniture. Each room is explored in its own chapter with glorious color photos: the dining room, painted in two shades of yellow and adorned with Japanese prints; the blue-and-white-tiled kitchen; the blue drawing room; the studio as it appeared in its heyday. Enlarged paint swatches of Monet's unique color combinations accompany each chapter so that readers can reproduce them in their own homes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A visual treat for the eye created by Impressionist Monet.
The impressionist master,Monet's home represents a palette of vibrant color harmonies, and light fused into a radiant home of personal warmth and beauty. A perfect setting for the lush gardens flourishing outside. A full view of the rooms, that made Monet's house truly an artists abode with its elegant, yet simple furnishings. ... Read more

Book Description

The Pauline letters continue to provoke scholarly discussion. This volume includes papers that raise a variety of questions regarding the canon of the Pauline writings. Some of the essays are more narrowly focused in their intent, sometimes concentrating upon a single dimension related to the Pauline canon, and sometimes upon even a single letter. Others of the essays are more broadly conceived and deal with how one assesses or accounts for the process that resulted in the letters as a collection, rather than analyzing individual letters. There are also mediating positions that attempt to overcome the disjunction between authenticity and inauthenticity by exploring the complex notion of interpolation. ... Read more

Book Description

Classic English Interiors is a sumptuous showcase for a distinctive style that is now as popular in Manhattan as in the country houses of England.

Written by The Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, the book is divided into two parts.The first half reveals the private and the pubic side of Blenheim Palace, her ancestral home, explores the country houses of Oxfordshire from which Lady Henrietta drew much of her inspiration and features selections from Woodstock Designs portfolio.Her fascinating text reveals life behind the scenes in some of Britain's most beautiful country houses.Hundreds of specially commissioned photographs show she translated the confident sweep of classic English style to produce homes of great elegance; comfortable family spaces; fresh, simple schemes and smart, stylish ones.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

a MUST in ANY LIBRARY!
A book of grace and perfect taste. A good book to come back to when you need another idea... end tables, curtains, carpets, furniture placement...... lovely ideas...ideas that can work in a small apartment, modest colonial or grand house..... it's the 1 book in my collection of 50 or more interior design books that I would NOT sell... it is my favorite....

Beyond CLASSIC
A must have reference for any professional or amature decorator. But be warned, if this is your first book by Lady Henrietta you will be hooked and will soon order her entire body of work.

Classic English Interiors
If you love English country house style, this book epitomizes "classic." Whether the schemes are soft and pastel or bright and bold, the classic fabrics, patterns, and antiques pull it all together. There are plenty of gorgeously formal stately home rooms, but the author is an interior designer who also designs for more modest homes, and they all have inspiring ideas that can be translated to an average person's design schemes in terms of how to use color and pattern. Beautiful, crisp photography showcases the rooms to perfection.

Classic English Interiors
Very beautiful book, I enjoy looking at it, lovely (mostly formal) drapery ideas, but for the money, I wish I could have checked it out at the library.

Excellent photography and content!
Classic English Interiors is a great book depicting the more upper-scale homes/interiors of England. The photos are exceptionally good too. If you are contemplating using English style in your decorating scheme, this is surely a good book of information and photos. ... Read more

Book Description

North American Victorian architecture and interior design are explored in detail in this essential look at an enduring style.Packed with spectacular original photographs and informative text, this lively book opens a door to the ornate decorative past.It examines the architecture of this eclectic period as it has survived and is interpreted today, and explains through myriad examples how Victorian style can be recreated in every room of the house. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

As Always........her books are Wonderful!!
Ms. Lady Henrietta's books are always great.There are many interior designers who write books to put on the market.....but I haven't yet seen anyone who consistently puts out wonderful books like she does.They are the best!!I am a sold sucker on her books.I feared that since she has so many decorating books out there, that they would do nothing but repeat themselves.But was I ever wrong?!!Always comprehensive, detailed, yet never over the top.Her books are always easy to understand.The royal lineage of her family surely puts her in a super huge advantage in that she is always around the beauty in the country homes of England's countryside of Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.I am planning to get each and every book she has written to include in mydesign library.They are great inspirators.
You will never go wrong with her books. :-)

Beautiful Book
A wonderful reference guide to fabrics AND a top notch coffee table book!Even your guests who find nothing appealing about textiles will find this book just divine! Pour a glass of Merlot and relax with this wonderful "picture book". The text is excellent too if you are in the mood for details...

Beautiful Book
Priced at a bargin. excellent text, lovely photos. Highly recommend ... Read more

Book Description

This book documents the transformation that Balinese architecture and interior design have undergone over the past five years.Cleaner lines, more imaginative use of space, A-frame roofs, and the use of stone, concrete, and ceramic roof tiles are increasingly visible along with the traditional coconut wood, teak, and thatching. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

There's no place like Bali...
Many westerners have set up homes in Bali, which have long been a magnet for western culture-hound. Here,writer and photographer showcase what the island's most inspiring examples of contemporary residences, shops, restaurants and of course the beautiful resorts that Bali is renowned. The work is well researched, featuring architectural and interior detailing of cross cultural legacy and an amalgamation of both modern and traditional. The text includes little stories of origins and legends. And as always, Lucca Invernizzi Tettoni's superb photography, mostly outdoor shots of the creme de la creme of Bali's private and resort landscaped gardens. This work captured all parts of the Balinese tropical living experience, proving why Bali is often remembered as the place to rejuvenate the soul.

Bali,Modern The Art of Tropical Living
This is just what the doctor ordered for enthusiasts of tropical decor and culture. By focusing on the use of modern (alibet, longer lasting) building materials with techniques designed to provide a tropical ambiance is neat. It's not something that I have found elsewhere. It would also be nice to provide some interior decorating schemes to be translated into the American shopping market using or importing accessories from the Bali region or using alternative sources for the "tropical" look from other areas, i. e., the British West Indies, the Caribbean, major U.S. catalogues, etc.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment. ... Read more

Book Description

Traditional Japanese homes, with superbly crafted fine wood, great workmanship and seasonal interior arrangements have an aesthetic and infinite simplicity, embracing the innermost sanctum of the spirit.

Japan Style introduces 20 special residences which were built in the past century. With more than 250 color photos, this book showcases the stunning beauty of the old homes, and reveal how they are cared for by their owners. Unlike Japanese inns and historical buildings, the houses featured in this book are private property and are not open to public viewing. Japan Style offers a rare glimpse into the intimate world of the everyday Japanese and fascinating insight into the traditional architecture of Japan. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by a team of acclaimed professionals in the field of interior design and beautifully illustrated with 350 full-color photographs and 500 drawings, this is the book to turn to for solid advice, instruction, and up-to-the-minute decorating ideas. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Pure inspiration
I tell you this is one of the best books about interior design I've ever seen! Just grab it and be inspired of all the ideas!

Full of Information, Tips & Color Photos
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone who intends to decorate or remodel their home. As the slipcase states, it is an unrivaled visual sourcebook with almost 1,000 color photos and illustrations.

It is not just full of prety pictures of someone else's house decorated by experts, but full of projects you can do yourself as you are led through the steps, details and directories of where you can obtain the materials.

I've had this book since it came out and have shown it to many friends who have gone out and bought their own copies. An indespensible book for anyonew thinking of undertaking a project themselves, or to afford them the ideas and knowledge to have others do the work for them.

So good I bought 2 for friends with new homes.
This is the most informative decorating book I've come across. It tells you how to do and make everything you could possibly need for your home with easy to follow instructions. It's inspirational!

Great Decorator's Book!
Wonderful pictures, ideas and how-to directions! Has history behind some decorating trends, plus ideas for every room. Very classic, fashionable, high quality suggestions! I am a huge Martha Stewart fan, and after reading all of her books, this is a great addition (even for the beginner)! ... Read more

Book Description

Featuring 275 full-color photographs, this is the first book to reveal the privately owned mansions and gardens of Newport that are closed to the public and not part of the tours given by the Preservation Society. Never-before-published photos of these homes, which have been designed by distinguished architects and landscape designers, are stunning examples of Newport's 375-year old-world architectural heritage. ... Read more