Book Description

1,005 architectural graphics on CD-ROM! Now you can create stunning, persuasive architectural presentations that bring your designs to life-faster and easier than ever before, in Ernest Burden's Entourage on CD: A Clip Art Resource For Architects and Designers you get 1,005 images of human figures and groups... trees, plants and environmental elements... and all kinds of vehicles to infuse a sense of life, movement, depth and distance into all your renderings. No matter what type of space you're designing-urban or rural, interior or exterior, commercial or residential-this sure-fire design tool enables you to: Add more power and impact to your presentations; Present your ideas with lifelike realism; Retrieve clip art images and visual elements in seconds; Find the right size, scale, posture, dress, and style at once; and difficult or complicated settings with ease and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Handy, but could be better.
I teach an Interior Design Graphics class and find this book to be useful for a number of tracing images such as trees and cars. The people section is not as up to date as I'd like. Lots of the figures look like they walked out of an old Charlie's Angels set. Still, though a basically good book for its purpose. Just don't expect it to be the end all.

Retro 70's
1995 edition with 1970's figures and automobiles. Classiclly, this has been an architectural resource book for any office doing presentation work, though, today the content is dated. ... Read more

Book Description

Architecture Exam Review, Volume I: Structural Topics offers a comprehensive review of the ARE structural exam topics, including structural systems, building loads, wood and steel construction, soils and foundations, and lateral forces. The book provides 160 practice questions, with solutions, and test-taking strategy. The text is enhanced by illustrations, figures, and tables, along with a detailed index. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Targeted to Actual Exam
I found the Ballast guides to be concentrated specifically on the exams that we are acutally going to take. The subjects were organized and concise. Not too much time was spent on "advanced" topics not necessary for the structural topics tested in the exam. It provided most of the rules of thumbs that can be used by architects not only for the exam, but everyday practice. One could purchase the guide strictly as a desk side companion.

Informative and concise.
This book is a complete study guide for the major structural topics and questions for the architectural licensing exam. My overall enthusiasm for this book was average. I found that there were chapters that were too vague or simply did not have enough information on specific equations. I also found that I did have to supplement the studying from this book with my own notes from my structures courses along with additional study material from other sources. I do recommend this book for anyone wishing to brush up on thier studying for the Lateral Forces and General Structures portions of the ARE/NCARB. Keep in mind, as with any other division of the exam, this would not be a single source for study material.

This book is a great helper in the study of the ARE
This book offers a great summary of the main issues tested in the A.R.E. Although it should not be used as the only resource to study from, it explains most of the terms in a clear and concise manner. Be forewarned, the book does not provide enough information to pass any of the 9 parts. The test taker must use other resources to find and understand all of the required information to prepare successfully for the exam. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

This book deals with the historical development of South-EastAsia (Burma,Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesiaand the Philippines)from the earliest times to the present. In thefirst section a chronologicalsurvey in succinct form of the historyof the area is presented so as toprovide the reader with thebackground information necessary to make adequateuse of the secondsection. That part of the book can be used on its own,portraying thehistory of South-East Asia in 64 pages of maps which cover suchitemsas the formation of states and empires, the migration of peoples, trade routes, cultural and economic aspects, the rise and decline ofcolonialism andthe political development of the post-colonial era.All maps are coloured. Thetext part places each map in its historicalcontext, providing also lists ofkings, presidents etc. It isconcluded by an extensive bibliography and by twoindexes, one of thegeographical names on the maps and in the text and one ofthe names ofthe numerous persons mentioned in the text. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An Essential Southeast Asia Reference, and Beautiful Book
The first thing that hits you about this book is its price. I got mine in 1996 , and am glad I did. As time goes on, this book will become more and more scarce, so buy it now before the price doubles again in another six years.

Yes, it's expensive, but worth it. This is an invaluable reference, a must-have addition to the library of any scholar of Southeast Asia. The book is a gem, a wonderful combination of cartography, fine book binding, printing and production, and unique scholarly content. For a person like myself who enjoys maps, fine books, and Southeast Asia, this book is a treasure. This is a book that will be a family heirloom 100 years from now, and worth more than it's current purchase price.

The book is large-format, measuring 12 ½ inches high by 9 ¾ inches wide. But, it is not a massive or heavy book. It's actually rather thin, coming in at only about 150 pages.

The introduction is interesting in that it goes on for 51 pages. Pluvier simply uses the introduction to individually introduce each map. He states that his book "by no means (should) be considered a survey of South-East (sic) Asian history." The introduction is very nicely cross-referenced, in terms of time periods and countries/regions.

Following the introduction is a brief alphabetical list of all of the rulers and governors listed in the introduction text. Then follows a "selection of literature on South-East Asian History." Pluvier refers specifically to D. G. E. Hall's 1961 Historians of South-East Asia for pre-European information. The simple bibliography is very well done, providing information on historiographies, and is further sub-divided by modern country names, making it easy to find specific listings.

There are then two separate indices, one of personal names, and the other of geographical names. Both indices are highly detailed and reference both the introduction as well as the maps.

Strangely enough, the list of rulers and select bibliography are not listed in the table of contents, so readers do not know they are there unless they happen upon them inside the book. This is a minor editorial oversight.

The final portion of the book is its heart, a collection of 98 maps, diagrams, and charts in 64 pages. All are full-color, beautifully rendered and easy to follow. Note that the legend for each map is unique to that map alone; there is no overarching legend for all of the maps. Therefore, the reader must be careful to be familiar with the legend of the individual map in question.

In conclusion, this is a must-have reference for the Southeast Asian scholar, as well as a wonderfully well produced book to add to the collection of any lover of fine books. But its price is close to prohibitive, and I recommend its purchase only for those scholars who definitely will have reason to use it and appreciate it on a regular basis. ... Read more

Book Description

In recent years, mid-century modern furniture, glass, ceramics, and textiles have become hugely popular among those who appreciate the stylish contribution these pieces make to the contemporary home.Modern Retro will inspire you to create a look that combines modern classics by such visionaries as the Eameses, Bertoia, and Aalto with thrift-store finds and the best contemporary design.Created by modern classics dealer Andrew Weaving and design commentator Neil Bingham, with photography by Andrew Wood, Modern Retro is not about slavishly recreating a period feel.Instead, it shows how to take the best designs of the 1920s through 1970s and use them throughout your home in a relaxed and individual way, allowing you to make the most of the gloriously eclectic forms, colors, and patterns available. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Inspiring and accessible
Since I already have a few 50-60's modern pieces in my home, I purchased this book to give me a better idea of what other items were out there. The designs have great style, but seem totally achievable. Using this book as a guide and source of inspiration you could decorate your home in a comfortable yet stylish manner. Some of the pieces they show are pricey, while others are probably inexpensive flea market finds. The author gives you enough information that you could go out into the flea markets and antique/second hand shops and make some sound purchase. It is a shame the book is less than 200 pages. I would have loved to see more.

Expensive style without the costs!
This book is amazing. It teaches you to create a contemporary looking home, without the outrageous costs of designer furnishings. It tells you what to look for at thrift stores, and how to use what you already have. I would highly reccommend this book to anyone even just a little bit interested in design! It's truly great.

Inspirational book
For a book on home furnishings, this book certainly contains enough good pictures to get you inspired. It is also well researched and written and actually covers quite a lot of ground inspite of its rather small size at 144 pages. In fact, this book is so good, I only wish there was a bigger version of it, with even more wonderful examples of lovely interiors filled with retro furniture. This book covers interior styles from the Art Deco period to the 1970s. It does mention a little of the famous designers such as Noguchi, Eames, Nelson, etc., but its primary purpose is to teach you about how to achieve the modern retro look, with discussions on living rooms, kitchens, work rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, furniture, lighting and accessories. What I find particularly useful is the list of retailers specializing in original pieces of furniture, a list of retailers and manufacturers of modern re-issues, and a list of architects and designers whose work had been featured in the book. Be warned though, that the list consists mostly of companies in the United Kingdom. This book is definitely a good buy for enthusiasts of retro furniture. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether you're an absolute beginner or an experienced muralist, whether your tastes are traditional or modern, this complete guide to mural painting will help you create fresh, fabulous looks for your home. You'll find 15 imaginative mural painting techniques, plus dozens of tricks-of-the-trade for painting murals like a pro! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Something's missing
I purchased this book in the hope that it would provide instruction to create the murals illustrated on the first few pages. Unfortunately, although there are very beautiful murals pictured,instructions are included for only a few. Perhaps my tastes differ from the authors but it seems that most garish and ugly murals were the ones that included "how to" instructions. It leads one to wonder if perhaps they do not want any competition in producing the more tasteful murals pictured! I also purchased the companion video and was disappointed for the same reasons- the instructions were only for projects I would not want to do.

Packed with color photos and easy projects
Use this introduction to create stunning murals based on a presentation of easily-mastered painting techniques applicable to home use. From tips on spacing and room perspective to using texturing and overlay processes for added finesse, Marvelous Murals You Can Paint is packed with color photos and easy projects which will encourage use in the home.

Good for Beginners
"Marvelous Murals You can Paint" is a good book for beginners in that it explains very basic techniques and materials. Line drawings and coloring book-type children's murals are illustrated. A very simplified way to do clouds with spray paint is demonstrated. If you're looking for realism or professional techniques, you will be disppointed with this book. The gallery is inspiring, with beautiful photos of wonderful wall treatments, none of which are explained or demonstrated. Shows a couple of basic landscape-type murals with good stone and wood effects. ... Read more

Book Description

This book creates a whole new aesthetic for flowers. Paula Pryke breaks the mold of conventional flower arranging so successfully that this visionary collection of arrangements gives real meaning to the term floral art. Her originality, ingenuity and dramatic use of raw materials are key to the strong visual impact, vibrancy and always perfectly harmonious arrangements she creates. Stunningly photographed, the book is both a rich sourcebook of fresh and stylish ideas and a highly practical guide enabling the amateur to create dozens of artistic arrangements for every occasion. The multiplicity of flowers available today offers almost limitless scope for flower arrangers. Part of the book's novel approach is to encourage experimentation and innovation by showing how to mix some of the less familiar flowers now appearing on the market, with the more typical.

How to create celebration arrangements for anniversaries, Christmas, the New Year, Easter, Hallowe'en, Mother's Day, weddings, birthdays and house warmings. Which containers to choose to complement arrangements: pottery, china, wood, basketry or metal, and how to make unusual natural containers from vegetables and foliage. How to arrange flowers according to particular color schemes, through the spectrum of reds, yellows and greens to blues, whites and mixed combinations. Selecting floral themes, whether formal or informal, period or modern, scented, edible or tropical. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step photographs and an illustrated chapter on techniques show you how to achieve perfect results. A comprehensive gazetteer acts as a reference guide to over 300 flowers. In Flowers, Flowers!, the artistry and expertise of Paula Pryke's masterful flower arranging skills are now accessible for the first time, to capture the imagination, teach and inspire.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

Simply the Best
There is no need for a lengthy review of this book. Quite simply, it contains photos of the most beautiful floral arrangements I have ever seen. I enjoy it often with a sense of awe and envy.

Very Useful...
I have been running my own floral design business for parties and special events for two years now, and this book has proved itself to be one of my most valuable resources. A very diverse collection of arrangements is found throughout the pages of this book and I would rate it as a definite asset to the library of both professionals and flower lovers alike.

Great Resource
This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who uses flowers. The author presents wonderful and original ideas and the photography is excellent. I've never seen one better. I wish it was again in print!

Brilliant!
This book has helped me to understand the depth of how to do great flower arrangements. I like mostly the part of selecting a theme, whether by occassions or colors. I wish that this book is not out of stock because I would like to purchase it since I only read it at Singapore National Library Board.

Wow !!! Paula is so talented, bra-vo for this book...
This book not only illustrates and shows her beautiful arrangements, but what I like most is that Paula uses little greenery. This has helped me in my business where I sell myself on "more flowers, less green" my clients would rather pay more for flowers, than greenery. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Before opening Tropical Houses, hide your passport. As soon as you get a glimpse of these incredible houses nestled among lush tropical landscapes, you'll want to head straight to the airport. Author Tim Street-Porter spent more than 10 years traveling through Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Bali, Java, Mexico, and Belize, meeting the owners of these Shangri-las and taking interior and exterior photos. Tropical Houses offers intelligent, dreamy commentary and over 272 breathtaking full-color photos.

Visit the House of Iseh in Bali and sit in the verdant shadow of the sacred volcano Gunung Agung. Said writer Anna Mathews of the view from the terrace: "Once you have lived in this place you can never be the same again. You are driven mad by beauty." In Jamaica, imagine you're a guest at Good Hope. Originally a plantation, Good Hope is now a 10-room villa thatoverlooks the Queen of Spain valley and the Cockpit Mountains. To look at these provocative photos is to imagine yourself in another life--one where you lounge on the veranda while white-jacketed waiters quietly replace your empty rum-and-pineapple drink. The owners of these estates have taken great care (at great expense) to create private, tropical paradises. One of the most stunning is Taprobane, an incredible retreat dominating the tiny island of the same name. Built by Count de Mauny-Talvande, the house is "an octagonal villa that allowed for verandahs in every direction; a 1930s folly, which, with small gardens extending through the foliage to the overhanging edges, fully occupied the crest of his island."

The careful architecture and landscaping of these estates "opens a world of sensual experiences." When the sky is gray and you don't have time for a vacation, Tropical Houses will lift your spirits and quiet your wanderlust. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Beautiful and Exotic
The cover is just a teaser to the exciting tropical houses Tim Street-Porter captures in this wondeful book. A real treat to exclusive tropical living around the world. Also an excellent reference to decorate in the tropical look. Street-Porter does it again as he did in Casa Mexicana. A book to enjoy over and over.

Perfect for Decorating Ideas
We are trying to get an "island" feel for our home and this book was the perfect reference. Not only are the pictures of the homes (inside and out) breathtaking, but there is enough detail about the decorating itself to be useful for our purpose. The only downside is that it makes you want to sell your current house and just travel the world staying in these amazing homes! Especially tempting is the contact information at the very end in case you actually want to rent one of them on vacation...

Great book
I found this to be a wonderful book - it has some amazing pictures. It affords you the opportunity to view some beautiful private houses that you are unlikely to be able to visit. Unlike some other books that focus primarily on houses in South East Asia, this one also features some great houses in Mexico and Jamaica.

The Best in Tropical Houses
Tropical Houses takes you around the globe to find some of the most interestingly designed homes in the world. The photographs are at once detailed and lush. If you are going to buy one book on tropical interiors, this should be the one.

Photographic tour of Tropical Houses
Outstanding! Tim Street-Porter's wonderful photographs capture not only the beautiful interiors of these homes but also the sensual tropical locations in which the homes are located.

Tim Street-Porter introduced many readers to the exotic palapa villas of Careyes in his earlier book Casa Mexicana, and the new book includes a breathtaking section on the area.

The book will have you strategizing on how to buy a house in one of these exotic locales. ... Read more

Book Description

With almost 200,000 copies sold, The Color Book has proven itselfthe must-have color manual for the home decorator. Now completely revised and updated, and featuring all-new colors in fresh and contemporary palettes, this new edition invigorates the best-selling classic. Professional designers and decorators know what effect a change in color will have, but for many of us, choosing paint still feels like a bit of a gamble. We may love that deep rose color on the paint chip, but what will it actually look like on the wall, against oak flooring and a cream ceiling? With The New Color Book, anyone can instantly see what colors will work, and what colors won't. Ninety-six pages, each cut horizontally into three sections -- floor, walls, and ceiling -- can be flipped separately to instantly mix-and-match a vast array of colors. Covering the bathroom, bedroom, living room, and kitchen, The New Color Book visually demonstrates 45,000 different color combinations, offering near endless inspiration and tangible assistance in selecting the perfect color scheme for every room. The accompanying text presents an accessible guide to choosing and mixing colors, while a color key and practical directory offer additional resources. Decorators will like using the unique mix-and-match method to help clients make smart choices, while the do-it-yourself crowd can use it to identify the best color combinations for every room, without resorting to the expense and frustration of trial and error. ... Read more

Book Description

Architectural modernism was revolutionary when it first appeared in the 1920s, and its innovation showed the world just what twentieth-century design could bring. Living Modern is a grand showcase of classic homes by such design luminaries as Mies van der Rohe, Charles and Ray Eames, Alvar Aalto, Richard Neutra, and many more. With over 200 detailed photographs of both entirely new work and remodeled originals, as well as numerous historical images, the true trademarks of modernism and of each designer are revealed. Ranging from materials and color to lighting and floor plans, Living Modern is an excellent primer to modern home style from its inception to the timeless features applied to the interiors of today. ... Read more

Book Description

$39.95 hardcover · 1-58685-033-4

8 ½ x 11 in, 192 pp, 235 Color Photographs, Rights: W, Design

The Yucatán has undergone a remarkable restoration renaissance of late: ancient pyramids now share the dense jungle landscape with revived haciendas, and colonial homes boasting high-beamed ceilings and cool tile floors posture amidst elegant plazas and renovated nineteenth-century mansions. A dazzling photographic journey, Casa Yucatán focuses on architectural elements, water spaces, and open-air living in houses both colonial and contemporary, including haciendas and coastal retreats.

Award-winning authors of the Mexican design series-Mexican Country Style, The New Hacienda, Casa Adobe, and Adobe Details-Karen Witynski and Joe P. Carr are the owners of Texture, an interior design firm and gallery specializing in hacienda style. They have been at the forefront of the Mexican design movement for more than twenty-five years. They divide their time between homes in Austin, Texas, and the Yucatán. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Casa Yucatan - To see the best homes and haciendas
We wish we had known about and read Casa Yucatán, before we had our wonderful three-week vacation in the Yucatán, in August/September, 2002. If you're planning to go to the Yucatán, be sure to take Casa Yucatán with you. We discovered (and stayed at)three of the marvellous hacienda hotels: the Temozón, Santa Rosa and San José. Each one has unique architecture, adapted from its original use with panache and refined good taste. When we saw them in the book, it was like re-visiting them. Our appetite was whetted to try to see more of the beautifully-photographed and knowledgeably-described homes on our next visit. At the back of the book, there's a 4-page Travel Guide, filled with useful information. Mexican design is beautiful and probably no non-Mexicans know more about it than Karen and Joe, having dedicated decades to studying it seriously and having visited and photographed many outstanding examples for inclusion in their books. One place we'll be sure not to miss is Hacienda Petac, the restoration of which was just completed in December 2002. Karen and Joe are partners in that enterprise, the design center of which offers a showcase for Mexican antiques, architectural elements and decorative accents. Hacienda Petac also offers accomodations to guests. We would hope that some of the architects whose projects are featured in Casa Yucatán and whose names addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses are shown, might be willing to arrange with the owners for interested readers to visit their beautiful homes.

Casa Yucatan
This is another marvelous book on Mexican & Spanish Architecture, furnishings, & landscaping. The colors & textures used are exceptional. The lush landscaping is something we are trying to recreate in our our home.

This book & their others have inspired us to do some very creative things with our desert property.

Witynski and Carr have done it again!
Casa Yucatan is yet another example of the brilliance of this creative duo who inspire and educate. Makes one want to leave manaña por la manaña for the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula. I have all five books they have written and am anxiously awaiting the relase of their sixth entitled "Mexican Details". ... Read more

Reviews (6)

i read it over and over and over
i find this book to not only be a beautiful, but also a very inspirational book. i have read this book countless times, and every time i scan through it, i find something new... or it gives me new ideas... i think this is a great book for someone who knows what they like and are looking for inspiration and new ideas. I really love this book....

Coffee Table Philosophy
"Country and Modern" has some stunning photos in it and some rather heavy-handed philosophy about the responsibility of connecting with your environs via design, etc. If you're designing a home in a non-urban setting and want to do a lot of thinking about these connections, it might be useful.

Many photos emphasizing the "benign neglect" design principle -- so if you're up for trying to pull off an interior using weathered siding, a plain worn chair, and an apple, you may find some inspiration here.

Too Shabby, not enough Chic
Shabby Chic is the antithesis of modernism and this book tries (but fails) to bring the two styles together. The text is sparse and the photos are in some cases too small and lack significance to the overall concept of the book. The contrast of modernism versus country style was just too obvious in my opinion. The subtle minimalist styling of many rooms was bowled over by the rustic colors and textures. The combination makes the rooms uncomfortable to both modernists and traditionalist alike. If you want an inspiring decor book, try "White Hot" by Tricia Guild. It explores many of the same ideas through color, texture and nature. As for "Country and Modern", I returned it.

Well i never.....
When I (I being Tim) thought, oh its another trashy book, just another design book i never realized what was in store.. I flicked through the pages and then it struck me....this must be something different. I hastily brought the book and quickly ran home,my heart beating i rhythm with my faootsteps. I ran in removing the plastic wrap and then I flicked through the gorgeous pages, pictures and writing. I read every word over and over again till i could mesmorise it..... To describe the book i could only say pulse raiseing, delicious and absolutely scrumptious!!!!! Most nights i creep out of my bed without waking dear Janet and creep down to the cellar. There i remove this book from its place on the shelf and ever so secretely recite it. Oh such ectasy!!!!!!

A stunning book in every respect.
This has to be the best book of its kind currently on the market. The author has a superb sense of style, and has produced something that will stand the test of time. ... Read more

Book Description

Covering five major areas of domestic design, International Design Yearbook 16 devotes separate chapters to furniture, lighting, tableware, textiles, and products created over the past 18 months by both well-known designers and new names from around the world. This year's selection has been made by internationally acclaimed architect and lighting designer Michele De Lucchi.

As fresh as the millennium itself, the annual presents futuristic technological ideas, such as Ron Arad's computer-animated vases, as well as reinventions of time-honored objects, like Sir Norman Foster's light design for Artemide. This who's who of domestic design includes the vibrant, modern talent of Emmanuel Babled, Jonathan Ives, and Ettore Sottsass, and design teams from Philips, Sharp, and Siemens. The objects are lavishly illustrated, and full technical data is given for each. A comprehensive reference section provides biographies of the designers, a list of suppliers and their addresses, and an updated list of design acquisitions at major international museums. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

More Than a Tour
As a Seaside neighbor in Old Seagrove I have a special interest in Seaside, but I found the book to be much more than the chance to get inside houses of people I know and others I see every day. While the writing in the style of architectural magazines might be called "gushing," Eleanor Lynn Nesmith subtly focuses her seasoned critical eye on the people who brought more than their money to the "New Urbanism" community. The result is the story of how Seaside got its soul. The somewhat dark--almost broody--photos of Steven Brooke suited my taste, though maybe not everyone's.

An Inside View
The new Seaside Style book through the pictures of Steven Brooke and the words of Eleanor Lynn Nesmith takes us on a tour inside some of the homes of Seaside. A small town along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Seaside gained world fame as the birthplace of New Urbanism.
With humor and insight, the author walks us through 23 houses and gives us a glimpse of both the homeowners and their personal style.
The photographer takes us there with his stunning images.
A must buy for anyone with an interest in New Urbanisn or viewing the individual styles and the pleasures of living at the beach.

huge disappointment
I recommend the far less expensive book Essence of Seashore: Beautiful Inspirations for the Home by Andrea Spencer. For $10 and change it beats this volume by all standards.

Though the photographs by Brooke are passable, the pretensions and fawning comments by and about the wealthy Seaside homeowners were hard to take. The photos and text give anyone seeking interior design insights little or nothing.

The only purchasers for this waste of time are the owners so they can impress their family and acquaintances. Unfortuinately the author has them coming across as such an elitist bunch with unmet needs. It is hard to understand why this wasn't released by a vanity press publisher instead of a reputable firm like Rizzoli.

Seaside Style
This is BEST book I have read about Seaside,Florida. A great coffee table book. The perfect gift for all of us who love the beach.You will feel like you are in Seaside after reading this fabulous book. I meet the author at the book signing....WOW!

The photographs are ok. ... Read more

Book Description

It's where today's "quiet action" is-convivial coffee shops and laid-back cafs, much preferred to noisy bars and discos, especially then the settings are designed with as much panache as the ones that fill these inviting pages.

Ninety-eight projects, some with floor plans, showcase both chic, contemporary looks and newly "old" traditional looks in coffee houses, up-scale food shops, and fun, theme-oriented cafs, with such evocative names as Second Cup, The Mill, Coffee Klatch, and Sacred Grounds. International in scope, examples are included from Latin America, Europe, the Pacific Rim, the United States, and Canada ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Didn't meet expectations
Sure some of the pictures were nice, and some of the designs were inspiring. But a few of the pictures were fuzzy, and some of the featured locales just didn't seem to fit with the title. For instance a sports bar? or bar/kiosk at a stadium? And heck, some of the cafe's were nearly ugly. I guess I was just expecting more...

A bible for restauranteurs
Not a day goes by that I don't look at this book on my bookshelf and get inspired on the next design of one of our restaurants. Great photography, great resource directory. A must if you own or or going to be in the business. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

The Best Feng Shui Book I've Read
This book introduces Feng Shui in a manner that allows you to get right in and play with it. There's no need to rush out and buy things you can't find, although I did spend some money changing color schemes. The people in my office laughed a lot, but took it a little more seriously after I placed a frog at the entry door and business started booming. Now even the non-believers are careful to see that he's placed correctly! This is a great beginners book and more useful than others I've bought since.

Using this book as a reference for building a new home.
I've used the practical info from this book in my present home with great success. I've compensated for a cut-off travel corner and love corner. Dare I say my marriage is happier and I'm actually getting tired of traveling so much? I also placed a water fountain near the front door (career area) and our business is going gangbusters. Coincidence? I don't know but even my pragmatic engineer husband believes. Now I'm building a new house on a piece of land and I'm using Feng Shui principles in the design. I did note that my architect uses the same principles unconsciously such as positioning the house according to prevailing winds and direction of the sun. This shows me that Feng Shui uses down to earth design principles that are timeless. Highly recommended as an introduction to Feng Shui.

I need new copy because a friend swiped mine
I found this book very helpful. It was originally reviewed by a student of mine for a college class which led me to buy Collins' other book "Feng Shui Room by Room". I like the other book even better (I would give it 5 stars). These books bring the concepts into focus for use in a western setting. I transformed two major parts of my house within the first week and it was life changing. In fact I was able to make some powerful changes the first night. Also I didn't spend a lot of money but rather used things I already owned and loved that were either in storage or in the wrong place. I found myself loving my house for the first time in many years instead of constantly thinking about moving.

"Shallow" is the word to describe this book
This book is hardly a comprehensive Feng Shui book. The authors has many "stories" to tell that fill the book. Each Kwa direction occupies a chapter in the book to a total of eight chapters. However, the author fails to explain how a reader belongs and relate to those directions. The book is niether based on traditional Feng Shui schools such as form or compass schools nor Black Hat Sect's. If you want a "western guide" true Feng Shui, read David Kennedy's or Sarah Rossbach's. If you want true traditional feng Shui, read Lilian Too, Lam Kam Cheun, Angi Wang's book. Don't let the title and rating fool you.

Easy and useful
Even if you don't necessarily believe in the precepts of Feng Shui, Ms. Collins does an excellent job of making you look at your environment with new eyes. With her help you can find things about your house and surroundings that may be bothering you subconciously, be making your environment subtly uncomfortable or even dangerous. If you do wish to know about the form school of Feng Shui, I can't think of a better introduction. This book is very readable and entertaining, while being useful to anyone who cares to try to apply it to their surroundings. Not much more you could ask for. ... Read more

Book Description

Building or remodeling an adobe house is an artistic endeavor, with all the satisfaction—and occasional frustration—of any artistic effort. But once you’ve lived sheltered by adobe walls, you won’t want anything else.

Introducing the traditional ins and outs of each architectural element—roofs and ceilings, doors, windows, floors, walls, and portals--The Small Adobe House is both an introduction to adobe structures and an idea book for people who want to remodel a classic home or build a new one.

Beyond the basics, Reeve and Reck illustrate possibilities for frills, show that any kind of interior décor is accepted by adobe walls, and give examples of contemporary innovations in adobe houses.

The final word on the small adobe house is that it combines the best of several elements: comfort, adaptability, tradition, and almost limitless possibilities for expansion and personal expression.

Agnesa Reeve’s informed commentary and Robert Reck’s exquisite photographs combine to create a magical adobe experience.

Agnesa Reeve, a historian, is past president of the Historic Santa Fe Foundation. Her writings about southwestern architecture and cuisine have been published in journals, and her books include From Hacienda to Bungalow (UNM Press, 1988) and Cooking with a Handful of Ingredients (Cimarron Press, 1993). She lives in Santa Fe.

Robert Reck is a contributing photographer to Architectural Digest and has been published in most of the major architectural journals worldwide, including Architecture, Architectural Record, A+U, and Hauser. He was the lead photographer for the book Santa Fe Style and has significantly contributed to the monographs of many preeminent architects, including Antoine Predock and Robert A. M. Stern. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A delightful surprise!
Robert Reck's photography is beautiful (as always). It was a wonderful surprise to see MY OWN Santa Fe work in the book!

The book gives a great feel for the beauty of the Adobe Home and the time tested vernacular of the details.

a little history, a little style, a good start
This lovely little book is packed with beautiful photos. every page reminds me why, when i build a house, i'll build it adobe-style. you learn a little bit about the history of adobe, its evolution as new architectural ideas moved west, and crucial bits of vocabulary pertinent to adobe homes, such as vigas (celing beams), latillas, canelas & more. this is a lovely book, and excellent for fantasizing about the future. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Simple step-by-step
The book is an extremely clear, simple, ste-by-step explanation of ACAD 2002. Skills are taught primarily through easy to follow exercises that build on each other, primarily the drafting of a room, its furnishings, etc... Some additional text is included regarding, plotting, layers etc... I will be using this as the text for my Intro class, primarily due to its legibility and clear graphics. While recommended for the designer who has bever used CAD, those with any experience or interested in an in-depth look at the software or its advanced features should look elsewhere. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (23)

The Way Every Interior Should Look
Jeffrey Bilhuber's Design Basics is the greatest book on Interior Design that I have read to date, and I've read a lot. Jeffrey really does lay out the basics in an easy, comprehensible way. Although the homes pictured (which he designed)are more expensive, Bilhuber shares his tricks on how to make every space look fantastic, whether it is a one-bedroom apartment or a 14,000 square foot home. I am studying Interior Design right now, and I appreciate the ideas, aesthetic and attitude of Bilhuber. Bilhuber has a wonderful talent in mixing modern elements with the classic. From what I have read he is quite the history buff, and that is reflected through his design projects. He has a definite aesthetic as well, but he is able to show many styles for different types of people. He has designed purely modern spaces, a Morrocan-style home in Florida, and cottage-style homes on Nantucket. These are all very different styles. Chapter by chapter, Bilhuber gives many ideas on how to take these ideas and reinterpret them for any space. You have to read the text along with looking at the photos. There are hundreds of practical solutions written in the chapters of this book, like covering family room sofa cushions in leather for accidental spills. He actually has done that for a client with children. He is all about creating spaces that relect his client's personalities and needs. He has shown in this book that form and function can truly coexist. I recommend this book to anyone desiring a beautiful and practical home. Everyone can take ideas from this book. Bilhuber has shown through the beautiful photography and eloquent text that it can be easy to create the home of your dreams. I love this book!!!

Solid Information on Design Techniques
For those of you seeking pretty pictures and how to copy the rooms, look in a different book or a magazine. The pictures are only incidental to the information inside. Instead, you will find out how this designer thinks so you can begin to see solutions and develop your own ideas. This is not a "step 1, step 2, etc." book, you will have to think and apply principles yourself.

A Big Disappointment
It's amazing that Rizzoli did such a poor job on the production of this book. Some of the pages were out of sequence, others were missing, some of the printing was crooked, and most of the photographs were fuzzy. Bilhuber is not a good writer, but many of the writing problems could have been corrected with good editing.

The guidelines or suggestions offered were good, but a more detailed explanation with more examples would have been useful in many cases.

Even with these problems, the book would have been worthwhile if the pictures were clearer. Although he may not be a great writer, I think Jeffrey Bilhuber must be a wonderful decorator. He has a real talent for combining traditional and modern elements in an effortless way that makes them look wonderful together. He also shows us that common, inexpensive items, when combined correctly, can look elegant and luxurious. It's difficult to imagine children playing in his rooms, but we don't all have young children. His style is sophisticated and lush, and the rooms in this book draw the reader back repeatedly for another look.

This book provides the essentials and then some....
There are so few design books that really deliver. As an interior designer I am skeptical of those books that come from the "designer of the month". Jeffrey Bilhuber is not only delightful to speak with - I was lucky enough to meet him - he really lays out his book with his own flair, design ideas and interior design credos (i.e. design basics). He presents the information in such a way, with humor, that makes it approachable but not "dumbed down" so anyone, whether formally schooled in design or not, can take something away and apply it if they choose. Many designers have tried this before and never come close. This is no easy feat, quite remarkable really!
Deborah in Bethesda

Doesn't have much to say
I disagree with the reviewer who said that some people didn't like this book because those people are used to "pretty" decorating books that don't explain anything. Au contraire. I am used to gorgeous decorating books that also explain decorating principles. I have many on my bookshelf that do a far better job than Billhubber's (whoever he is) of presenting great rooms and explaining how and why they work. There are many better books on the market than this one. ... Read more