Amazon.com

The American South has long been renowned for its hospitality and gracious living, and these qualities are reflected in the region's distinct interior design. Southern Style captures this easygoing yet stylish feel of Southern homes designed to provide comfort the family as well as entertain guests.

Author Mark Mayfield and the editors of Southern Accents magazine have a firm grasp of the essence of Southern style and provide guidance on working the style into your own home; gorgeous full-color photographs provide the visual inspiration. The authors point out that one of the most obvious influences on the South's interiors has been the area's weather and environment. A sleeping-porch bedroom with mosquito netting over the bed, a large verandah stretching the length of the house, a living room filled with floral prints echoing the lush gardens outside are all hallmarks of Southern style. Historical changes have also helped defined the South's present decorating style. While some Southern traditions and trends have fallen by the wayside--for example, the trend of having a formal living room--others, such as formal dining rooms, have abided for decades because of their practical nature or cultural importance.

After a look at the interiors of Southern homes, including living, dining, and bedrooms, the book moves outside to take a look at Southern architecture and gardens. There's also a chapter regarding the South's efforts to preserve old architecture and interiors, as well as a listing of historic Southern homes and museums. A resource guide at the end of the book lists Southern interiors shops by state. The authors of Southern Style have done an impressive job of defining the elegant, warm design style of the South, one that all homeowners, not just Southerners, may want to integrate into their homes. --Kris Law ... Read more

Reviews (3)

great book
I have been an avid reader of Southern Accents for years. I found their book to be well written and filled with the beautiful photography I've come to expect from the magazine. Chapters are broken out room-by-room, making it an easy reference guide. The book is one that you'll not only keep out on the coffee table, but also will refer to often for great decorating ideas.

southern style
I found Southern Style a great compedium of how design in the South has evolved. As an editor at a competing magazine, I wish more publications would give us a backward glance at their previously featured work. This book shows not only where southern design has been, but the way past photography and styling techniques have changed. I wish more magazines would publish such a compendium. It would save us all a lot of space with hoarding decorating magazines. Oh admit it,we all do it. Also great text, with deep insight into it's subject matter.

Big disappointment
I eagerly awaited Southern Style's release ll/l only to find that the content was repeated from past issues of Southern Accents. I was looking forward to new pictures/content but found very little that wasn't in old magazines. I think the editors could have at least given us different camera shots of those same rooms. Big disappointment. ... Read more

Book Description

Thailand is known for its beautiful handicrafts, both traditional and contemporary. It is no wonder that some of the most beautifully decorated homes in the world can be found here. Contemporary Thai is a veritable explosion of design, color, material, form and function, as breathtaking rooms take shape around the "found" object. As we range from Chiang Mai in the north to metropolitan Bangkok, from gardens to dining rooms and verandahs, we are treated to an amazing array of contemporary items-modernist furniture, table settings, light fixtures and furnishings-that combine old traditions, new styles and the texture and look of indigenous materials. Cutting edge, elegant and a lot of fun, Contemporary Thai is the perfect book for anyone looking to add a distinctive touch to their home decor. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wow, do I love Thai style now!!!
I loved this book. It's a feast for the eyes, and is a great introduction to Thai style. While Japanese, Zen and Feng Shui styles have been overexposed lately, Thai style is a secret so wonderful, it won't be a secret much longer.

I bought this book in preparation for a vacation to Thailand. We planned to go on a shopping spree for household furniture and accessories while in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Our decorating style is contemporary with an Asian twist. BINGO, Contemporary Thai caught my eye. This book gave me an excellent introduction to the common handicrafts and furniture styles to look for. It includes an up-to-date resource list with addresses and web sites to purchase items shown in the book. If you covet any items but can't make the trip to Thailand, many of the resources can ship internationally.

After spending a month in Thailand, I realized that Contemporary Thai covers the full gamut of what's available there: Jim Thompson silks, basketry, celadon dinnerware, silversmithing, woodworking, woven textiles ... and the book gives you a glimpse of all these things displayed in gorgeous homes, gardens, hotels and restaurant settings. The quality of the homes and photography rivals what you can find in Metropolitan Home and Elle Decor. And, not only does the book show materialistic stuff (hey, I'm honest enough about what this is all about!), but it gives some cultural and historical perspective as well.

If you like Asian style, take a chance on learning about Contemporary Thai style.

Visually Stimulating
I was in BORDERS BOOKS shopping for some audio tapes, and decided to check-out what was in the Home Decorating Section. I discovered this MARVELOUS book. I was captivated by the photographs on each and every page. For those individuals seeking design ideas, color options or furniture placement this is a MUST HAVE! The photographer did a marvelous job capturing the essence of Thai Design in the modern home. This is definately my next purchase when I go back to the book store.

Blending the Past with the New
A beautiful book illustrating how to blend traditional Thai architecture, arts and crafts with the contemporary style of living and home decor. Like many others, this book will contribute to the renaissance of traditional arts of Southeast Asia and, hopefully, help propagate the livelihood of traditional artisans. Moreover, the secret is out with the appendix of artisans, companies and shops where one can purchase such materials. This book is a must for someone who has visited Thailand and appreciated the style of the Amanpuri, Sukothai or the Oriental hotels. You, too, can now replicate a little of Thailand in their own home. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

This is an indispensable reference for the design of a room unlike any other. The bathroom is no longer given over solely to personal hygiene. It has become a refuge for those seeking purification, warmth, and respite and, as such, is designed to integrate functionality with beauty and relaxation. The hundreds of color photographs included in this practical yet visually pleasing book illustrate this truism and provide helpful decorating hints and ideas for anyone looking to re-design this most important room. ... 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

Simplicity, comfort, and intimacy define the cottage--and they are the hottest ideas in domestic design today. The personal, easy-living style of the cottage has formed a compelling counter-trend to the "bigger is better" school of modern life. Today, quality of place is more important than quantity of space, and no home style demonstrates that value more appealingly than the cottage.

Presenting charming retreats perched on rocky coasts, hidden in leafy woods, and nestled on rolling farmland, The Cottage Book explores the roots of this classic and beloved style. Century-old examples of classic getaways along with delightful modern variations are presented in richly detailed, atmospheric photographs made expressly for this book.

In this gorgeous celebration of the cottage tradition, artist, designer, and cottage expert Carol Bass showcases a group of classic early cottages, all still in happy and active use, leads us through a collection of updated and new cottages, and delineates those stylistic elements that define cottage life. Primary residence or weekend haven, The Cottage Book inspires an irresistible fantasy of a home of our own. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Kudos for Cottage!
Fresh and "reader friendly".

The varied cottages presented by Carol Bass have soul and depth of character. And, they have a usefulness, charm and vitality that makes you want to re-create those kinds of spaces for yourself.

What does the American cottage, camp or bungalow tell us about what we add to our life when we have a little time to get-a-way? This book gave me a chance to peek into special homes that show a sense of multiple generations beautifully layered into one place at one time.

What feels very timely today is the bold use of color and the variety of different styles and materials to make a place personal.

The book is useful in creating a meaningful home.

Cottage Life at its Best
Reading The Cottage Book is a vacation in and of itself. Tons of windowsill sunlight, fresh indigenous flowers, classic patchwork bed quilts, exposed cupboards textured with china patterns from generations past and present, a perfectly positioned telescope, clothes line dried in the fresh air, vintage tablecloths draped over a table offering ice tea and croissants, and porches inviting us to spend a leisurely day enjoying the outdoors--all these things remind us that every cottage has a story worth living! Each cottage in this book is presented as unpretentious and practical, yet bright and beautiful, highlighting the simplicity, comfort, humor, and traditions found there. Particularly unique is the author's note of vibrant color introduced in each cottage room, either through unique fabrics or pieces or furniture. The book demonstrates clearly that the colors around us can have a powerful effect on our feelings and even outlook on life. A touch of vibrant color should be a basic element of any cottage home. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In both homes and furnishings, the modern look, known for its clean, spare lines and inventiveness, elicited strong opinions--which is exactly what classic designers like Ray and Charles Eames, George Nelson, Eero Saarinen, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe intended. Classic Modern: Midcentury Modern at Home celebrates the work of these innovators and the longevity of their designs as we move into a new millennium.

Starting off with side-by-side photos, we see several modern houses when they were originally built and how they now appear. They look both futuristic and contemporary in the companion photos and are impressive in the way they integrate easily into the outdoors. The first section of the book concentrates on the "flexible system of elements tailored to the climate and topography of a certain site" and "interior spaces [which] flowed into one another, rather than being divided by separate boxes connected by hallways." The second section invites you to tour especially significant or evocative modern estates, some of which are inhabited and others which are showpieces. Particularly interesting is the curved glass Palm Springs home of Raymond Loewy, designer of the Coca-Cola bottle, which is arranged around a free-form pool lapping the desert. A subsequent chapter examines modern architecture in the suburbs where the midcentury influence can be seen on a smaller, less expensive--but not less impressive--scale.

The photos show the sophisticated appeal of midcentury modern and illustrate the careful placement furniture for the greatest effect. And for those who want to know more about the furniture and the architects, the author has included lists of "where to buy" and biographies in the back of the book. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Eye Candy for the Modernist
Some critics say that Mid-Century Modern designs tend to look cold and passive. Many, however, including myself, believe this design style to be beautiful and exciting. Classic Modern: Midcentury Modern at Home was written for those of us who love the designs from the 1950s and early 1960s. The photos and captions alone are enough to excite and inform, but when combined with the text, they really add insight into how the designs were created and how they can be re-created in our own homes. I used to consider myself a midcentury modern enthusiast, but after having read this book, I consider myself a bit of an expert. Especially useful are the catalog of furniture and the "Further Reading" sections at the back of the book. One last surprise was the portrait at the back of the book which pictures six of the most prominent designers from the era, including my personal favorite, Charles Eames.

Best of the Bunch
Having recently read over a dozen books on classic modern homes and interiors, including brand new ones like Modernism Rediscovered as well as classics like Schulman's own Architecture and Its Photography, I was still in awe at the quality and quantity of photos in this book. They're almost all full or double-paged and in brilliant color. There is an occassional paired "original period" photo in black and white for an interesting contrast. Unlike some reviewers, I found the text informative because views of the clients and current owners are included - as opposed to just the critics and designers, as in most of the other books. The several appendices are very useful, as well. I would highly recommend this book at more than its "suggested" price, let alone at its incredibly low bargain price. Get it while you can.

modern was/modern is
Terrific coffee table book. Gorgeous photos with rarely published interiors of well known mid-century homes. If you don't appreciate furnishings and design of the 1950's now, you will after seeing this book! Friendly text-the reader "gets to know" the residents and creators of these spaces.

Coffee Table Book
While the photographs offer an interesting view on the past and present use of these dwellings, we were disappointed with the quality of the writing. The book would be better if left as a photographic essay.

Wonderful showcase of Modernist architecture and design!
This beautifully photographed book sheds light on how modernism is being interpreted by contemporary home owners. The houses featured in this book are classic examples of mid-century modern architecture. Many of them have been recently restored, and are now filled with the splendors of modernist furniture and decorative arts. This book is really about the photographs, and they're just great. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Once upon a time these New Mexico towns were rough-and-tumble settlements peopled by drifters and dreamers. Sante Fe and Taos are still very much a cultural rendezvous, but far removed from their humble beginnings; Sante Fe has lately become known as the Beverly Hills of the Southwestern U.S.Among its full-time residents are the Dennises, the husband and wife author-photographer team who host this tour of their neighbors' private homes. The owners and designers weigh in with their own words about creating these eclectic sanctuaries, making it a very personal tour. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Excellent photos of the extraordinary taken by New Yorkers
I purchased the book because I'm planning on either buying or building a retirement home in the SouthWest - preferrably an adobe. I've looked through the book many times for ideas. The photos are excellent and the book is well written. The text provides a good sense of who the owners are. Unfortunately, little of the contents of the homes are anything which I've "envisioned" for myself. New Mexico represents much more to me than the luxory and expensive furnishings on the pages. Perhaps if the book had been done by someone born in the land of enchantment it would have more value to me. Overall, a very nice book for the coffee table, for a while.

Good survey of contemporary ideas
I got this book so I could see more examples of the contemporary solutions in Southwest design. It has some good ideas, but most are more folk-art-based. Some of the photograhy is centered around the object more than the space, so it's not very effective if you are looking at it from an architectural point of view. It is a good start for ideas if you are looking to add some flavor to a design. Also realize that the book is not just gardens but interiors, too.

Most of this work is very elegant; some is kind of gaudy.

The photos ARE in color...
Unfortunately, the sample pages are in black and white. Never fear, they're actually IN COLOR in the actual book!

Got this for my Mom, she loved it!

I Live Here!
I would NOT loan out my copy of this book! I live in Taos (moved AFTER reading the book) and have since been to some of these homes, they are wonderful...and not at all pretentious...as one reviewer said. I use this book even today for inspiration in my own Taos home.

Colorful inspiration
I was specifically on a quest for inspiration for Santa Fe style decorating with bold color schemes, somewhat off-the-wall furnishing choices and the like. This book fit my needs perfectly, I'm happy to say. I agree with other reviewers that the book is rather limited in scope, but it was exactly what I was looking for. Beautiful photographs, clear writing, overall a very dynamic book. ... Read more

Book Description

Morocco is an exhilarating combination of vivid sensuality and intense spirituality, an intoxicating blend of cultures. Berber, Arab, French, English, and Spanish: the country's rich mixture of heritages is matched by its geography, which ranges from coast to mountain to desert. This revised edition of Living in Morocco celebrates the indigenous arts of a country at the height of a cultural renaissance. Morocco is known for fine leather and for pottery that dates back a thousand years. Berber rugs are justly famous, and there is a thriving tradition of woodworking, especially in the native thuya wood. Most extraordinary, though, is Morocco's decorative painting and tilework, where, forbidden by religion to depict human figures, craftsmen have developed a vocabulary of pattern and ornament. The book is filled with brightly colored ceilings, decorated courtyards and walls, plaster of Paris carved and painted in intricate geometrics, tiles so small that 150 could fit in a matchbox. Lavishly illustrated chapters on decorative and folk arts alternate with chapters on Moroccan life today. We visit Chaouen in the Rif Mountains (a city only recently open to Westerners), where the town's undulating surfaces are painted a bone-chilling blue-tinted white. We peer into an abandoned kasbah in the Sahara, and absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of the frenzied souk. We take time out in the shady blue-and-pink environs of the Majorelle Gardens, laid out by French painter Jacques Majorelle, and explore the story behind La Mamounia, the famous hotel that has welcomed such guests as Winston Churchill. Most important, we see Morocco's arts brought to life in its homes—from former harems to traditional Hispano-Moorish houses. Glorious photographs make this a treasure for the armchair traveler, while the documentation of Morocco's houses, arts, and crafts make it an invaluable resource for decorators and designers. Published in hardcover under the title Morocco: Designs from Casablanca to Marrakesh. 346 color photographs. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Examples
I really liked this book, as well as Moroccan Style. I felt this book was a little more comprehensive on the styles by region of Morocco and showed more traditional design. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The How-To of Living Rooms
This book is the step-by-step authority on creating great living spaces. I took it on a shopping trip today and found it an incredible inspiration and resource. ... Read more

Amazon.com

True to the sense of bounty and calm that the California wine regions convey, Diane Dorrans Saeks writes, "Wine Country life is private, peaceful, undisturbed. Rural bliss soothes the mind. The Wine Country encourages simple wonder and gratitude."The inhabitants of the idyllic properties presented in California Wine Country must feel grateful indeed. This unbelievably seductive book of heavenly hideaways is divided into five sections: "Classic," "Poetic," "Rustic," "Collectors," and "Weekends." The Santa Ynez, Russian River, and Alexander Valley regions are explored, as well as the more well-known Napa and Sonoma areas.

Saeks sought out creative people--artists and art dealers, designers, restaurateurs--whose houses range from a splendid Venetian villa near Calistoga to a 12-by-16-foot tent (furnished with antiques) on the edge of a peaceful Sonoma lake. The interiors are magazine-perfect (not a cell phone or fax machine in sight) and true to the prevailing architecture, whether angular and austere or funky adobe. There is a Mediterranean-inspired lusciousness in every photograph: grapes spill from the vines covering a patio, rambler roses cover a wooden gate, and doorways invariably open onto hillside vistas complete with blue sky.The directory at the book's end includes design and furnishings stores, as well as bookstores with good design sections, kitchen equipment stores, and restaurant, hotel, and winery recommendations. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Nice start - but barely a beginning
Ms. Saeks did a reasonable job, but the book is close to worthless if you want to design your house in a recognizable California Wine Country style. Katya and I suggest developing a color palette from the book, but after tens of hours of studying it we can not determine a quantifiable style. Consider this book as a raw first start; a survey of modest importance. The interiors are all over the map. The only commonality is their location in California. Worth buying - yes, but only to understand the diversity possible. Is a more serious study necessary - yes. California wine country is a combination of Tuscan, Provencal, and Spanish Colonial/Early California, with Asian influences. Themes and moods vary. Pretty much freestyle designing. However, certain rules will give you a recognizable style. We're working on it.

- Jim and Katya Preston

Beautiful
I collect decorating books (I'm obsessed with them!) and this is my absolute favorite! It's sitting on my coffee table and I look at it again and again; I wish I could find more like it. We have recently purchased/remodled another house and this book was the inspiration for many of the things I incorporated into this house.

An architect's opinion of this book
This book is a beautiful presentation of Interior (and outdoor) Design, but little true architecture. Most of the profiled homes appear as sets in a film and seem unrealistic as full time residences. As an architect, I will admit that most are wonderful, humanly scaled spaces. I'm not sure why the wine country is profiled-- other than the budgets are fat there. Overall, the book is worth the price.

IMAGINE LIVING IN THE WINE COUNTRY
Hi, I am the author. The Napa Valley, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez...they are hot now. Everyone dreams of living in the Wine Country. The pages of this book will set you dreaming more...and imagining a trip to relax, go wine tasting, perhaps look at real estate...and certainly to dine at The French Laundry. (See Chef Thomas Keller's kitchen in this book.) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ideas, Ideas, Ideas
I found a few ideas to try that I never would have tried prior. Not everything is for everyone, but most should be able to pick out one or two projects that pay in themselves for the cost of the book. I would have, however, appreciated more step - wise pictures and having the instructions with the item, instead of in the back of the book.

Wish I Had Thought of That
I have to admit, I actually borrowed this book from the library first to see if it was worth purchasing and it definitely is!! Great ideas on fairly easy projects that I can't wait to try.I'm no Martha Stewart, but I think I could actually DO most of the projects in this book.Very inspirational and the projects actually look NICE, not like grade school crafts.I recommend it!

Flea Market Finds:Instant Ideas & Weekend Wonders
On the positive side, the photographs are excellent.That's the only good news.This book does nothing but tell you how to make ... out of ...I'd return it if I could.The directions are sparse and usually say, use according to manufacturer's directions.Oh yea, I paid for that little tidbit.You have to be a moron not to have come up with anything in this publication. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Straw-Bale Wannabe's Delight
To be frank, the chance that I'll actually build and live in a straw-bale house is very slim. For those of us who like to look -- and figure we can pick up a few enviro-friendly ideas along the way -- this is the perfect book on straw-bale. The color photos are very high quality, detailed, and appealing. "Recipes" for green-friendly plaster and paint are a fun feature. And practical information about straw-bale is useful as I consider "Well maybe one day ... ?"

DATA WOULD SAY..."Please, I want some more."
A wonderful little book that will go right beside it's big sister, "The Straw Bale House"... my bible while I was building my own straw bale home, which is just about at the stage of finishing. So, the timing couldn't have been better for me! But, MORE...I wanted to see MORE! Straw bale is a wonderful (if not labor-intensive) building method with infinite possibilities for being beautiful...this little book shows some of that to you!

Beautiful photographs and great design ideas
I have been very interested in building a straw bale house for a few years now, but the thing I've lamented most was the lack of pictures! There are pictures out there that show exteriors, walls in the process of being built, and small individual wall shots, but I wanted to see larger "whole room" pictures. I wanted to see the different types of interiors that could be accomplished - I'm not a very rustic person, so could a straw bale house be made to look a little more refined than than in most of the pictures I'd seen? The answer is YES! The gorgeous pictures in this small (but wonderful) book show many different design possibilities, ranging from bale walls simply (but minimally) plastered, to bale walls barely looking like they are made of straw at all. If you're interested in the theory of building a super-insulated strawbale house, but have some questions about how it will *look* when you're done, you MUST buy this book. Most (if not all) of your questions will be answered.

some good photos, some good tips but not a build it guide
I expected this book to have pictures but I'd hoped for more information on how to build a straw bale structure. The Steen's first book, The Straw Bale House, did much more for the person needing information. This book is good for someone just starting to get into the subject but if you actually want to build a home and don't know much about construction or carpentry you'll have to go elsewhere for that information.

Superb new book!
The Beauty of Straw Bale Homes is an extremely beautiful, well-written, and informative book. I was so drawn in by the book that I read it in one sitting. I'm eagerly awaiting a chance to reread it and share it with friends. The photographs are elegant and awe inspiring. If you've been thinking about building a straw bale home, this book is a great place to look for creative design ideas. The Steens have also provide valuable information on earthen plasters, wall finishes, moisture, and ways to retrofit a home with straw bales in this delightful gem of a book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The craze for "getting away from it all" in buildings of log, stone, and unpainted lumber has been a part of American life since the 1800s. From the Gilded Age retreats of the Catskills and Adirondacks to the rugged Wild West lodges of Yellowstone and Yosemite, Cabin Fever celebrates the architectural elements that make cabin style unique: gleaming hand-peeled and polished logs, cowhide sofas, and river-rock fireplaces. Some are large, old, and built as public lodgings, like Putnam Camp, the Adirondack summer retreat founded by philosopher William James, which still has the cheerful austerity it had when Freud and Jung mingled there with Harvard academicians. Others, like the grand hunting lodge nestled on the edge of a marsh, are more recent monuments to quirky private visions of the perfect rustic retreat. Rooms in both are accessorized with animal heads, native American blankets and art, snowshoes, antler chandeliers, and willow twig furniture. The book's appendix includes catalog sources for everything from small wooden summerhouses to buffalo-plaid blankets, and a list of hotels in the grand old style (like Yosemite's Ahwahnee and the Grand Canyon's El Tovar). Even if you can't have a piece of the wilderness to call your own (and the burl furniture to match), you can still enjoy the rustic yet substantial comforts of Cabin Fever. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Fun to look at
Thanks to a previous reviewer, M. Pass, I bought this and also bought a book called Second Home. Both are great. This Cabin Fever book is limited to homes that are a bit more rustic than what we had in mind, but we still love it. Second Home also is a gorgeous dream book but it has a wider variety of home and decorating styles. Second Home also has given us a lot of information on how to shop for a retreat, how to decide what location is best for us, as well as tips on decorating and building. Second Home approaches the topic from a broader perspective.

A good getaway-style book
My favorite book related to vacation home style is Cottage Style, and I wrote a review of that book on amazon awhile back. This Cabin Fever book is a bit narrower in scope, but I am enjoying all the photos. Because I love Better Homes and Gardens Cottage Style, I just bought the new BH&G book called Second Home, which shows one great house after another. I'm getting lots of decorating ideas from those homes. But Second Home also has great information on real estate shopping, home design, and decorating, too. It's my kind of book, because it's a dream book that also helps me do something to achieve the dream.

Outstanding photographs
I have been searching for books for months now that would give me real life examples of cabin type homes to use in designing my country home. While there are a lot of books out there on small cabins, I was looking for a book that showed examples that I could incorporate into a larger home. This book is exactly what I was looking for! The photographs are beautiful and truly capture some of the key elements that make these homes special. The author has managed to find some of the best examples out there of truly beautiful, well designed log/natural material homes.

In addition to the photographs, the narative is also quite entertaining. It helps the reader understand some of the thinking that went into the creation of these great spaces.

If you are looking for a very enjoyable book with wonderful pictures of a vast collection of cabins (both small and large), then this is the book you have been looking for! I know it was for me; I already have dozens of ideas that I plan on incorporating into my, not so small, cabin. Enjoy!

Cabin Fever
Excellent book with great pirctures of rustic rooms and homes. Great decorating ideas!

See the log cabin of your dreams....
A great coffee table book for your house or mountain cabin! Most of these "vacation homes" are nicer than our regular houses. Great to curl up with this book in front of the fire. ... Read more

Book Description

When you cross over the threshold of your home or apartment, what is your initial reaction? Are you inclined to kick off your shoes, pour yourself a glass of wine, and sink into the sofa with the evening paper? Or are you overwhelmed by the urge to pull your hair out, burn the futon couch you've had since college, and throw something -- anything -- over your latest horticultural failure: the skeleton of a ficus that sits leafless in the corner? The first rule of creating a comfortable living space is getting rid of the headaches, and Terence Conran has all the advice you need to get started. He also lays some inspirational groundwork for decorating your home to fit your life. Conran addresses four key concepts, Elements, Comfort, Function, and Detail, in depth, providing advice on everything from space and light to the importance of adding your own personal touches. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Easy Living by Terry Conran
Purchase this book if your objective is to get good ideas on the
subject of interior design. The author describes comfort zones
in multiple dimensions i.e. relaxation, touch, sleep and bath.
Relaxation is defined as mental breathing space. Touching
refers to how various textures of fabric evoke physical
responses. There is a section on functionality of interior
decorating. Functionality encompasses orderliness in the living
space. That is, a limited space may be utilized for storage,

shelving, hanging and containing personal objects.
The book is colorful. The artwork provides many perspectives
on how to emulate the interior designs depicted in the setting
of your own home, living or work space. This work will assist
you in optimizing the living space and making it visually
appealing.

An easy book from the master
Easy Living is another masterpiece of the master. What can I say? It seems that, as he gets older, he turns more and more easy living himself.

As he says (in another words): "I write a book because I hope you'll read it. Please, don't miss the text of this book". And he's absolutely right, the text is the best part of it; where he teaches everything he knows and believes. All in a very simple way. Believe it or not, the photographs turns into mere coadjuvants here, nonimportant decoration items. But you won't need them!

Conran, together with Niemeyer and Corbusier are the masters of modern living (to me, myself and I, of course). When I find myself in front of one of my masters criatures I surrender because that's the only thing I can do! Admire my masters talent.

Beautifully written
This book was marvelous. I enjoyed the fact that the book had no strict guidelines about decorating, just a kind of common sense approach. Now, if you are looking for step by step, (which I was) this may not be for you. But give it a try anyway. It may surprise you!

An Honest Overview Book about Modern Living
This book is divided into several components ie. elements, comfort, function, detail which are further broken down into small components. Pictures are used sparingly & most of them are taken from the same source anyway. I do not learn anything new in this modern living book but rather, reinforcing what I have already learnt from other interior books throughout the years. Just because Terence Conran is rendered as the guru of modern living, it doesn't imply that he's the person that has reinvented the wheel but just that person with the extra edge or confidence to apply what we have already known all along about modern living, that person who opts to lead a simplistic life. I'm very appreciative of him of stressing one point about the rigidity of minimalistic living, & people keep mixing up the word "minimal" living with "modern" living. Whilst it's true that their fundamentals are more or less the same, they still aren't the same thing.

Simple Living
I love the Conran's shop in Japan. It's simple, but makes me fun. There are simple interior in this book. But less colorful, I felt something missing. ... Read more

Book Description

A treasure chest of ideas on how to use Japanese antiques in Western surroundings. The authors highlight 77 different kinds of antiques and folkcraft playing new aesthetic roles in 45 lovely Western-style homes. With 144 full-color photos, this landmark book, the first of its kind, is an essential introduction to the wide ranging field of Japanese artifacts. Also included is a list of craft and antique markets in Japan and sources for Japanese articles in the U.S. and Canada. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

excellent book of ideas and resources
Book contains abundant pictures with full descriptions of items and history. Also contains excellent resource section for U.S. and Japan. Terrific book for anyone interested in Japanese style interior design ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

A Great Resource!
I bought this book in preparation for painting rooms in our first home. Having always rented, I didn't know what all was required in preparing your surface or how to choose the proper application tools. This book started from the beginning and included these topics. The examples throughout the book are marvelous and the directions for achieving such great effects, as stenciling, colorwashing, stippling, sponging, ragging, etc. are easy to understand. The instructions also include applying the these techniques to not only walls, but objects like picture frames, candlesticks and furniture if appropriate. A must have for anyone who is redocorating their home and wants to stretch their budget a little further by using paint techniques.

Great book for any skill level!
I am a professional faux finisher/muralist, and I really enjoyed this book. I have literally dozens of books on decorative painting techniques, and this is one of my favorites. It's like an encyclopedia- lots of different techniques explained very clearly, with good general info. If you're not sure what type of finish you're looking for, this would be a good book to invest in. Also has a good color reference for help on mixing your own paint colors. Another nice feature is that there are finishes in both water and oil based paints. Some Faux books only deal with oils, which i personally don't like to work with because of the smell and clean-up, etc... If you're looking for a more advanced book, I'd suggest "The Art of Faux" by Pierre Finkelstein.

An excellant start for a beginner or a expert...
I am currently reading this book as I prepare to redecorate my home using painting techiques. This book is excellant in the volume of information it contains from a discussion of colors, paints, glazes, brushes, and tools to specific techniques such as sponging, ragging, stippling, color washing, etc. I found the contents to be very specific yet simple enough for a beginner like me. The best feature however is the variety of color pictures that accompany each topic. Once I have mastered the simpler techniques, this book will allow me to move on to the more advanced techniques which are also included. Happy painting! ... Read more

Book Description

8 1/2 X 11 In, 192 Pp, 170 Color Photos, < 20 Black-And-White Halftones, 20 Floor < Plans < This Third Book By Popular Log-Home < Authors Cindy Thiede and Arthur Thiede < Brings The Scale of Log Homes Back To < Practical Reality. Included Are < Chapters On Owner-Built Homes, Recycled < Log Homes, and Historical Restorations. < A Chapter On Details Gives Some Stunning < Examples of Personal Touches That Make A < Home Stand Out. In Addition, Log < Builder Arthur Thiede Leads Us Through < The Steps of Constructing A Small Log < Building. < Floor Plan Inquiries: < Cindy Thiede < PO Box 2735 < Hailey, Id 83333 ... Read more

Reviews (4)

What a nice reference this book is!
I'm a Japanese reader and living in Log Cabin. This book provides me with many decoration ideas. I wish to reccomend this book to my friend who are living in Log cabins.

Beautifully done, inventive, resourceful and entertaining!
Hands-on Log Homes is our third, full-color, idea design book on the subject of log home architecture. As such, it was also my third opportunity to loop America - cameras in hand - seeking out unique log homes and meeting the people who build them. In this case, those people happened to be mostly involved owner-builders. That is, creative, resourceful people who used sweat equity to help build their dream. Similar to our second book, "The Log Home Book", there is a virtual photo-feast inside. The only difference is that the scale of these homes tends to be more moderate, and the owners themselves share their own unique and entertaining building stories along with practical bits of advice gleaned along the way.

Along with built-from-scratch homes, there are those abodes built largely with recycled materials - old logs, old doors, old fixtures! Perfect examples of turning one man's junk into veritable treasure while often saving money along the way.

Next comes a marvelous chapter on historic restorations. Often "rebuilt" with the help of skilled craftsman, we include these handmade originals as true examples of once upon a time, do-it-yourself ingenuity.

While this is not a "how-to-build" book, Art wrote a final chapter that leads the reader through the practical steps and considerations of building a small log building. Of course, there is also a resource guide in back with plenty of leads for designing, building and decorating the home you plan to build, remodel or buy.

Check it out, and let us know what you think by emailing thiede@sunvalley.net.

Cindy Thiede

Great ideas for wanna-be log home owners
I feel I know this book as well as anyone; I designed the book! It is a great book to glean ideas to plan, create and decorate your own log home. The photos are breath-taking. I enjoy the authors' clear but amusing style of writing, and I bet you will, too.

Beautiful hand crafted homes that reflect owner's dreams.
This is a true collection of extraordinary homes that bring to life the uniqueness of their creators. These homes span the breadth of America and the book does an outstanding capturing the different styles which represent the individual characteristics throughout this multifarious geography. Splendid. ... Read more

Book Description

What is it that makes daily life in France so delightful? And how can you create this charm in your own home?

Author Cheryl MacLachlan spent years living, dining and conversing with families throughout France, where she uncovered the many small details that lend warmth, style and personality to the French home. In Bringing It Home--France, she explores the seemingly minor but so important elements that go into composing the French lifestyle: how a bed is made, for example, how dinner is served, how a sense of family warmth is achieved in the living room. She further explains how these elements can enrich any home anywhere, using simple techniques and easily available resources.

Bringing It Home--France leads the reader room by room through the house, then on to the garden and the marketplace to cover the full range of life and style in la belle France. Learn the French approach to interior decoration; discover invaluable tips for everything from entertaining to housekeeping; and enjoy brief, witty guides to the best of French furniture, crafts, foods and wines. More than 200 gorgeous full-color photographs by Ivan Terestchenko bring you right into a number of remarkable homes, in both France and the United States. For all those who appreciate the houses, the food, the style, the savoir faire of life in France--here's a thoroughly inviting guide to bringing it all home.

Discover the real secrets of French style as Cheryl MacLachlan revealshow to add the warmth and beauty of France to your own home, using simple techniques and readily available resources. With more than 200 beautiful color photographs and countless creative tips, Bringing It Home--France captures the charms of decorating, entertaining and living with the feeling of France--anywhere in the world. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A beautiful way of living
I've had this book for a few years now and it has regularly provided me with inspiration. I bought it when I moved into my first apartment and was obsessed with french country style. I referred to it a year or two later for recipes when I learned the importance and the pleasure of foods made with seasonal, organic, whole ingredients. And this evening I am referring to it for tips on my upcoming country wedding and am reading about how to serve dinner and the art of receiving. And perhaps in a few more years (or several more!) I will re-read the section on children and family with yet another new outlook. This book has been a wonderful resource!

one of the best decorating books
I have a lot of decorating books, and I am not a huge fan of french interior, but this book is great! It is full of photos of classy decorated rooms, the colors are so tastefull and it makes you wanna go and redecorate your place until it looks like the rooms in this book. It is worth having it and I still go back and look at it, beacause it is sooo cool.

Beautifully written.
The author of this book has a lovely way with words and weaves a spell in her book about French Style living. The experience that this American lady acquires during her lengthy stay in France is beautifully executed in her descriptions of French Decor, dining, traditions, and the lifestyle of the French in general. This book is one of the favorites in my collection.

Best volume available to help create French style at home!
Cheryl MacLachlan has created a series of references that help Americans to create a European style for their home. Bringing it home: France is the book home decoraters need to create the enticing style of France. Ms. MacLachlan leads us throughout the French style home, always pointing out the essence of the look in each room. She provides lists, and discusses each item, so that the French interior will shine through. She takes the reader on tours of markets and shops to visualize what to look for to assimilate the French attitude into their home decor. She is the reader's own tutor of the culture of the French home. When you take this volume into your hands, Ms. MacLachlan will teach you how to live, entertain, and even educate your children like the French. It's a lovely way to approach life! Vive la France!

Practical Application of the Interiors we Love
I've had the privilege of spending quite a bit of time in France, staying in a charming Chambres D'Hotes in Provence or first rate Hotels and private homes in Paris. Each setting is unique, and showcases the fabulous French interiors I love. Of all the books available on this subject, I find this one most practical, realistic to the subject, and useful with or without spending great amounts of money. The French have a way of making the most beautiful interiors look effortless; this book shows you some of the real thought and work behind that affect. My copy is well worn, and I enjoy it every time I read it. ... Read more