Reviews (19)

The textbook I go back to most often
This was one of my favorite textbooks from design school. It's the one I refer back to most often, because I know what I want will be there, and will be presented clearly. It is the most complete reference I have in my library for flat-patternmaking, and covers everything from making basic slopers from measurements (the book provides measurements for standard sizes, or substitute a real client's), through all sorts of bodices, sleeves, collars, skirts, pants, and other details. Also included are sections on knitwear, including swimwear, and a good portion of the book is devoted to children's clothing. Highly recommended and well worth the price.

Excellent!
This is a great book to learn how to make patterns and also a great reference if you already know how. The pictures and diagrams are very detailed and helpful and the instructions are easy to read. I highly reccomend it!

[Knock off]
Okay, this book promises good stuff, but ... could it be any harder to understand? You basically need two books to interpret how to make a single pattern. Very vague. We use this book at FIDM and I think it would have been better if the two books we use were put into one. Use it if you must, because it is a good reference for children's and body suits. Also, the illustrations are better than most.

It has its shortcomings
This is the book we use at my college. I can't compare it to other patternmaking books, but I know that Armstrong's has problems and really needs a good editor. Occasionally, steps are missing and measurements aren't accurate, and both my classmates and my teacher have found it frustrating.

The Teacher's Guide
I am living in Jamaica West Indies,We do not have this book here on the market so a friend who travel brought it and lown it to me .As a fashion desinging teacher i found this book very good,i need one for myself but i can notbuy it through this method.
So the bottom line is i used this book as my teaching guide.
Thank you.
I am,
Cynthia Mcdonald.
31 Aqualitavale Ave,
Kingston 20.
jamaica West Indes. ... Read more

Book Description

Since 1929, Scalamandré has been weaving its own exquisite silks, wools, linens and cottons as well as laboriously hand making elaborate and ornate passementerie (trims, cordings, tiebacks and fringes) for some of the finest interiors in the world.Scalamandré also has the unique role of being the major manufacturer of historical fabrics in the world, and over the years has woven historically accurate textiles for restorations ranging from the Red Room of the White House to William Morris' home in England.

At last, the story of this leading design and manufacturing house is told, and is introduced by personal reminiscences by Adriana Scalamandre Bitter, chairman of the board.

Tour some of the most exclusive and well-appointed homes in America, and experience the lavish and colorful furnishings, draperies, wall coverings, and decorative elements that Scalamandre textiles produces. From Traditional to Neoclassical, from Cottage to Country French, Scalamandre products exude personality and exemplify elegance.

Designers featured in the book include: Michael Simon, Melinda Gray, Nancy Serafini, Carol Knott, Robert Bitter, and JZ Knight.

Brian D. Coleman, M.D., is a practicing psychiatrist in Seattle, Washington.Brian is a graduate of Stanford University and Chicago Medical School.Also an old house enthusiast, Brian has grown his love for historic restoration into an active second career. He is the author of Classic Cottages, Vintage Victorian Textiles, and The Victorian Dining Room. Brian divides his time between New York and Seattle.

Dan Mayers is a New York-based photographer whose work appears regularly in Country Decorating, Country Collectibles, and Country Victorian as well as Old House Interiors.His work has been included in such books as The Ultimate Kitchen and has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. ... Read more

Book Description

•The hands-on sourcebook for creating or restoring a stylish bathroom in the Arts & Crafts spirit.

In this sequel to the best-selling Bungalow Kitchens, Jane Powell and Linda Svendsen turn to the second most complex room in the house. As reflected in these pages, the bathroom can—and should—be a beautiful extension of the home style—and what better examples than those from the Arts & Crafts era.

Though it may seem a self-evident feature of the Arts & Crafts style, bungalow bathrooms are truly artistic endeavors. They go beyond the traditional pedestal sink and claw-foot tub to some of the most beautiful tile work, woodwork, fixtures, and decorative elements available. Bungalow Bathrooms is a guide to restoring or designing a period-style bathroom for a bungalow or other early-twentieth-century house. It provides a wealth of information about flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, faucets, and all the other elements that make up a bungalow bathroom, as well as advice on how to integrate modern technology while maintaining the bungalow look.

Jane Powell, the author of Bungalow Kitchens, is the proprietor of House Dressing, a business dedicated to renovating and preserving old homes, particularly bungalows. She is the former president of the historic preservation organization in her hometown of Oakland, California.

Linda Svendsen, a graduate of Music and Art High School and Parsons School of Design in New York, specializes in architectural interior and exterior photography. Her work has been seen most recently in Camps and Cottages, Bungalow Kitchens, Old House Journal, Old House Interiors, Victorian Decorating, and Lifestyles Magazine. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Bungalow Bathrooms is BOSS!
If you are even thinking about restoring the bathroom(s) in a pre-1940 house, this book is a "must have" for you. Jane Powell put everything you would ever want to know in there. This lady knows so much about antique bathroom fixtures it's SCARY! Written with a touch of humor reflecting this most personal of rooms. Just a hint of sexual innuendo mixed in with illustrated and narrative factual detail. Everything is included from hundreds of great photographs of period fittings and fixtures, floors and walls, to detailed text describing the nuances and subtleties of such things as tile, windows and doors, lighting, Fuller-ball faucets, bathtub restoration, angle stops, plumbing code issues, wash-down, wash-out and syphon-jet toilets featuring lions and dolphins, and much, much more. There is the most complete listing of resources for everything you need for a period bathroom restoration at the back of the book as well. As in Bungalow Kitchens, the camera work was handled by Linda Svendsen and it is Super too! In summary.......GET THIS BOOK!!

Must Have if you are doing a bungalow renovation!!!
I am doing a bungalow renovation, serving as the designer and general contractor ALTHO I have no experience in either area. I was all done, so I thought, but during the process made the decision not to replace the circa 1995 vinyl squares floor because I couldnt fine anything better. Voila! The room was all done, but - the floor looked totally yuck/wrong because rest of the room was in beautiful new correct bungalow style . I turned to this book for inspiration- and studied all the pictures- evening after evening. The right answer came! light grey 4" hex tiles! I am so thrilled even tho some of the work had to be redone... the floor pulled everything together.. like a little exclamation point. "BUNGALOW BATHROOMS" saves the day!

A must for those restoring or remodeling a bungalow bathroom
This book is a wealth of information for anyone restoring or remodeling a bungalow bathroom! All the information I have been searching for is right here in one book. We demolished a BAD 70's remodel, and are in the process of restoring our bath to it's original (1926) condition. This book covers it all beautifully!
Especially helpful are the sections labeled 'Obsessive restoration' and 'Compromise solution'. These give you choices on how historically accurate you would like to be. These sections have kept my husband and I out of marriage counseling!
I would highly recommend this book. I liked this book so much I want to get the others available from these authors.

How did that bathroom REALLY look? Read on.
A valuable resource for anyone considering options for the period restoration of a bathroom. We fell in love with this book as we've tried to solve our own first floor bathroom dilemma. From tile to wainscoting to fixtures to lighting to colors to ideas on decoration, this book is PACKED with great photos, an unsurpassed section on history, and guidelines for both the average and "obsessive" restorationist. The best thing about the book is imagining what it will be like to actually have an (attractive) working bathroom some day!!

Yes, this book is about how to _live_ with old stuff...
... and that's what makes it so wonderful. If you're considering re-doing a bathroom in a 19th or early 20th century house---whether you'll be restoring an original room or destroying a 70's "renovation"---you need this book.

The author has a comprehensive awareness of both the stylistic and the practical issues involved. She also has a sense of humor about it all.

I was particularly impressed by the pictures. Several of the historical rooms are studied in careful detail, wth closeups of many features---not just the major plumbing fixtures. Also, all the photos were taken specifically for this book; so many bathroom-advice books feature mostly manufacturer-supplied photos that bear little relation to the text. ... Read more

Book Description

David Tutera is a highly regarded event designer whose clients have included Elton John, Barbara Walters, Star Jones, and Susan Lucci. He is also the host of a new one-hour, twice-daily program on the Discovery Channel, Party Planner with David Tutera, that debuts in January 2005. On the show, Tutera lends his expertise to people looking to throw an unforgettable party on an everyday budget. Tutera brings a fresh, original twist to holiday parties while retaining time-honored traditions. He demonstrates novel and affordable--yet utterly sophisticated--approaches to special occasions, holiday and cocktail parties, and dinner parties.

In this heavily illustrated book of the same name, each chapter covers a different party that will also be aired on the show. Tutera emphasizes addressing all five senses--the taste, the look, the sound, the scent, and the touch--of every event. Also included are "Tutera Tips" for invitations, entertainment, decor, menu ideas, table settings, and floral arrangements.

David Tutera is already a noted name, but THE PARTY PLANNER will bring his reputation and signature approach in entertaining to a broad new audience. ... Read more

Book Description

The enduring appeal of French-country style spans the centuries, a gracious mingling of elegance and ease. After years of largely echoing the furniture, fabrics, and accessories linked with the region of Provence, these days French country is often far removed from the primitive images that hearken back to the early seventeenth century. Room by room, FRENCH BY DESIGN reveals the secrets to creating a contemporary French-country look, including textiles, furniture, floor coverings, window treatments, color palettes, wall treatments and lighting, thus allowing anyone to bring the look home. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Brilliant, Great Sense of Design, a Visual Delight
Not unlike all of Phillips' books, this book is a masterpiece of European syle and design. No detail is left unnoticed. The furniture, fabrics, antiques, architecture, artwork, and carved stone are each carefully considered and beautifully photographed. Every page is a visual delight. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

France, American Style
Beautiful photos and interesting commentary on French social customs. However, the featured residences are not French, but American homes decorated "in the French style," which is somewhat disappointing.

An absolutely useless book
If you want to see pictures of rooms and furnishings that look like nothing you could possibly relate to, buy this book. The pictures show such fussy, formal, off-putting rooms. Bleah. What a waste of money.

Beautiful gorgeous pictures
The book is packed with colorful photos which are rich in detail. I really enjoyed this book and it has become one of my favorites.

Beautiful!
If you like French design, you should get this book. I really love the photographs. While this book is mostly photographs, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading about the French and their attitudes on decorating and love for their homes. Betty Lou Phillips has wonderful taste, and her style is so enjoyable. Thank you to Country Living magazine for featuring her work! ... Read more

Book Description

HAMPTONS HAVENS offers readers a glimpse behind the hedgerows of the Hamptons on Long Island, New York. The photographs are drawn from the archives of Hamptons Cottages and Gardens magazine and feature 24 homes and gardens that vary greatly in architecture and interior design. Every home in the book, from cozy cottage to grand estate, is a testament to the enormous breadth and natural beauty of the seaside region.

Accompanying the spectacular photographs are engrossing stories, discussing the architecture, the fascinating provenance of the furniture and heirlooms that decorate the homes, and personal family lore. There are plenty of firsthand quotes from the homeowners and decorators, who lovingly recount how they initially discovered the area and who discuss the story of how their style and personal lives evolved over the years to create homes and gardens ranging from the traditional and classic to the whimsical and eclectic. This handsome book captures the essence of one of the most fabled and exclusive areas in the United States. ... Read more

Book Description

With over 700 vivid images and illustrations along with the wisdom of numerous practicing designers, this book provides a practical approach to introductory interior design.Covering the profession for both commercial and residential environments, the Ninth Edition introduces readers to the history, design fundamentals, and building systems (construction, electrical, mechanical) of design. Exploring topics such as the space planning process, environmental sensitivity, and multicultural design, this book contains both the necessary information and applications readers need to be fully prepared for the field.For professionals with a career or interest in design, interior decorating, architecture, construction, carpentry, and environmental design. ... Read more

Book Description

PRESTON BAILEY'S DESIGN FOR ENTERTAINING is the ultimate sourcebook of inspiration for creating the perfect ambience for any major party or event. Bailey guides the reader through the planning process from large decisions- picking a theme, setting the mood, and transforming the space to fit the vision for the event-to the details such as flowers, lighting, and table settings that all come together to create a unique environment. Full-color photographs of events including Melissa Rivers' wedding and the launch party for Oprah's O Magazine showcase the spectacular results of his approach. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Gorgeous and inspiring
The photography is gorgeous, the ideas are inspiring - overall, a solid portfolio of some of the best designing in the world. It not only provides a glimpse into the over-the-top world of haute couture weddings and fetes, but also provides details and inspirational ideas for anyone. A can-do attitude combined with a book that is well written, beautifully conceived and flawlessly executed. Well done, Mr. Bailey.

Fabulous!
It was exactly as it said...a resource for creating the party of your dreams. If you're the type of person who thinks buffalo wings is a party staple...it's not for you.

Too much!
I was very disappointed. Beautiful photographs of garish subjects that the average person couldn't possibly duplicate made it almost ridiculous. I love museums and that's what this book reminded me of. You can look, enjoy and appreciate but can't take it home and use it. Thumb through it at a store and save your money.

excellent
If you would like to see the finest design work done in NYC,
get this book. His sensibility to detail is astounding!

Beautiful & Elegant
Preston Bailey's book is simply beautiful and elegant. I had seen snipets of Melissa Rivers' wedding on television and in print, but the pictures in the book really bring it to life. I never knew so much could be done with flowers and fruit, until I bought this book. It is a real treat! ... Read more

Book Description

Decorative Style is the most practical and innovative resource of decorating styles, techniques, and tools and materials ever created.

Using innovative, easy-to-master techniques and surprisingly inexpensive materials (paint, paper, fabric, replica molding -- even photocopies!), Kevin McCloud -- a brilliant young set designer turned interior decorator -- shows you everything you need to know to design and create your own stunning adaptations of today's most popular decorating styles.

There are forty styles in all -- from Santa Fe, Shaker, Miami Deco, and Caribbean to Bauhaus, Biedermeier, Mackintosh, and French Country (to name just a few) -- each designed and created especially by the author and stunningly photographed, with literally hundreds of styling options and color variations to choose from.

Each style is represented by a complete floor-to-ceiling "room slice" -- a unique device that allows you to see the total impact of a scheme while easily visualizing its possibilities for your own room. The decorative effects and other components of each style are analyzed, rephotographed with a full range of imaginative alternatives, and cross-referenced to all the techniques, tools, and materials needed to create each unique effect. Even the most inexperienced and budget-conscious of home owners will be inspired by Kevin McCloud's imaginative use of inexpensive, readily available materials and amazing timesaving techniques.

Whether you do the work yourself or hire it out, whether you're redoing an alcove or an entire house, Decorative Style will kindle your imagination and give you all the tools you need to create spectacular, one-of-a-kind interiors that will truly distinguish and enhance the value of your home. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Beautiful Book, but not enough detail regarding techniques
This is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL book. Many styles are explored and techniques discussed, however, there is not enough detail regarding completing the techniques. I had high hopes when I purchased this book, but I think that if I try doing any of these techniques, I'll have to make it up as I go along.

Refer to it over and over again
This is one of the only "inspirational" decorative books that I have kept for years. Why? Because in addition in inspriring, it tells me what I need to do it. And it lets me feel that these finishes are within my grasp. Now all I really need is a house with rooms big enough to do much of this!

Excellent-Excellent...I will say it again..Excellent!
As a professional faux finisher without a college-based decorating background, I never formally learned of all the different decorating periods with their styles, colors, textures and accessories. "Decorative Style" surely is a grand book to comfortably and interestingly guide me through assisting my client with appropriate color choices to match their present accessories or to start anew. Unique faux finishing techniques with great illustrations and instructions are displayed in the scenerios. A great book! Sits proud on my shelf.

Dig In! Get Serious w/ McCloud's Sourcebook!
As a painter/designer looking for new ways to enliven home and commercial spaces, this book hit the spot. For me, while McCloud's "scenes" didn't strike a chord, many, many "pieces" of the scenes resonated with me.

Unlike the plethora of cutesy decorating books with "canned soup formulas", McCloud's book is fresh and innovative, and the author, "project patient". The author seems to have experimented over the years with loads of techniques...some that worked, and others that crashed and burned! And WE get to benefit from his laborious, creative risk taking and personal discoveries.

McCloud presents many "looks", and tools/supplies lists, without presenting exact formulas. His work is labor intensive. For these reasons, this book may drive some individuals mad! Yet, as a teachable, yet often driven, independent artist, I relate to this way of working, as it points me in a general direction, and in my not copying an exact formula or "scene", keeps each project fresh. While I "recycle" far too many books of this genre, this unique sourcebook of Mr. McCloud's is destined to spend its days on my reference shelf of favorites! Thank you, Kevin!

A big disappointment compared to McCloud's other books
Having purchased two of McClouds previous books, "Lighting Style" and "Complete Book of Paint and Decorative Techniques", I thought the man could do no wrong. They were excellent choices. In this book, however, McCloud departs from his complex, professional approach, and provides "vignettes" that read like "Grrr-animals" theme rooms. From a "Carribbean Kitchen" to a "Biedermeier Bathroom", the rooms end up looking like movie sets for a college theater production. Pasting xeroxed corinthian columns on a wall does not a Greek Revival villa make. If you have no imagination and are not able to put ideas together yourself, buy this book. If you want something more substantial, buy the other two books I mentioned. Mr. McCloud is truly a talented man. I personally feel that his other books are better showcases for his talent. ... Read more

Book Description

Old-world Hollywood glamour embraces modern insouciance in the signature style of internationally acclaimed interior designer Kelly Wearstler. Never one to paint a wall simply white, in her creations Wearstler uses bold colors and patterns and mixes elaborate architectural hardware with furnishings culled from a range of eras. In Modern Glamour, she reveals her decorating secrets and dramatic approach to design.

From basic design principles to personal accents, this gorgeously photographed book explains how Wearstler shapes interiors and exteriors into ingeniously functional environments. A survey of many of her most stunning projects provides ideal examples of bringing what she calls "the elegance of the unexpected" to life in any setting. Whether it is juxtaposing typically masculine and feminine design notions to infuse a room with edge and energy, or using embellishments to put a thematic mark on a room. Wearstler's essentials on design will inspire professional designers and aspiring home decorators alike.

For those who wish to discover how decorative visions can become luxuriant realities, Modern Glamour offers clear and enjoyable guidance on the art of creating seductively stylish spaces.

Reviews (12)

More Ego Than Design
Modern Glamour is not so much about decorating as it is about Kelly Wearstler's larger-than-life ego. From her writing, it would appear that Kelly has single-handedly invented at least a dozen or so time-tested design principles- (Does Kelly really believe that mixing styles and periods is a new concept, or that a visually graphic interior is a first?) As for her work as a whole, I think I was on page 56 when my design sensibility screamed, "OKAY! I GET IT ALREADY!" At best, this book does a fair job of marketing Kelly's narrow, easily attainable style as complex. While I would not recommend this book to a serious design enthusiast, it might appeal to the novice looking for examples of easily achievable decorating. Simply purchase paint and fabric in white, black and yellow, paint a Piedmontese armchair white, and you are halfway there.

A design book with personal flair...
For those of us that truly love and get excited by design, this book is a wonderful example of why we are fascinated by this field. Rather than giving us the same old dry verbage about visual decor and "furniture placement," this book tailors itself directly from the author's personal point of view. I loved the way Ms. Wearstler discussed her framework of reference for her own designs, but in a way that allows you to decide for yourself how they might be adjusted to work for your own sensibility. Some of her spaces shown in the book are a little too staged for my own taste, but they give one ideas of how she might approach designing spaces of her own using texture and pattern to similar ends.
As a fellow professional of this field, I most certainly and highly recommend this book.

Modern Glamour
I can only agree, this book is not about helping you out with your personal Interior Design projects.
It actually fells more like it is a expensive business card for Kelly Wearstlers Design Studio.

Good idea but badly done
The idea for this book is good but the book was badly done. Unexpected style is something that intrigues me, but that's not what this book actually is. The book is pretty dated in the way it is done because it's all about one unknown designer's "take" on decorating. No one today wants to be dictated to or to just copy what another person has done. So this book misses the mark by several miles. If you want a decorating book that helps you create your own style, this is not it. Don't buy this. It seems more like a book about this designer's own ego.

A Beatiful Mind from a Beautiful Woman
Someone said this is a book more about the designer herself than her work, but why not? A designer reflects her mind within her lifestyle and her background. If you are looking for a beatiful home with elegance and glamour, this is it! ... Read more

Book Description

Sarah Susanka's first three books have launched a revolution in residential architecture with the message that it's not the size of the house that matters, but the quality of its design and details. Her books strike a chord in homeowners, who are finding that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Now, in Home by Design, Susanka presents 30 design concepts that can transform any house into a welcoming home filled with character, beauty, and comfort. Opening readers' eyes to what's possible, she makes spatial design accessible to the layperson. Each of the design concepts here, from entryways to public/private space to window positioning, is illustrated with examples from houses by leading architects. Homeowners will learn how to assess their environment to discover what works or doesn't, and find the necessary tools to create the homes they really want. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Inspiring and useful
This book is really 4 1/2 stars. I have found this to be the perfect way for me to start to think about space and light as my husband and I begin planning a renovation to the house we just purchased. Since we haven't lived there, we have the advantage of not being "stuck" in thinking about changes to the house, but we have the disadvantage of not knowing how traffic patterns, seasonal light and other factors will affect our renovations. The text is pretty clear and is arranged within three major categories - space, light, and order. The photographs are incredibly helpful and the author even shows pairs of photos, one with the feature under discussion, and a second "altered" photo showing what the room would look like without that feature (e.g., a window at the end of a hallway). Very helpful to me as I get ready to talk to the professionals and sign up for expensive changes! We've put post-it notes on lots of pages.

Definitely NOT Not-So-Big, and not really a "keeper."
In essence, this book is a checklist of new vocabulary terms that Susanka invented for the purpose of articulating design concepts. Each term is well-illustrated by a residential example,with plenty of pictures. The print quality is beautiful as usual, and the editing and book design are well done, although a little overslicked and glossy. I was very happy to see the comparative photomanipulations to illustrate how a design concept changes the feel of a room. I enjoyed and appreciated the "Public Space" feature, in which Sarah's newly-named concepts are shown in photos of familiar large public buildings such as libraries or museums.

The not-so-big books dealt with the primary design -- the floor plan. The bulk of this book is concerned with "secondary" details that could be applied to any floor plan, such as window placement, staircase railings, ceiling shape, window type, or even the way the wall covering reflected light. Sometimes this felt more like interior design than architecture. You should probably have a floor plan -- and a bursting bank account -- in hand before you try to apply what is shown here.

One major weaknes is that Susanka has chosen far too few houses for her examples. It must have be convenient for the author and photographer when a single example illustrated several design concepts (cuts down on photography time), but the book became very tedious. Must we tour Susanka's own house for the FOURTH time? And the circular kitchen lost its novelty quickly.

Although I understood this would not be a repeat of her not-so-big concepts, I was surprised at the magnitude of departure from the Not So Big books to Home By Design. Although her text has a familiar hominess, her examples here all have a look-don't-touch attitude that I found off-putting. No consideration is given to cost or even space; indeed some of the houses looked so unlivable and showy that sometimes I confused the residential houses with the museums featured in Public Space. My impression was that Susanka was relieved to cast off the limits of not-so-big and focus on the lofty ideals of pure design without distraction from the practical concerns of those pesky clients who were acutally going to live in the house. I don't believe this was her intention, but be prepared for the shift in tone.

On its own objective architectural merit, this is probably a 4-star book, but I chose to take off a star because of Susanka's choice too few residences (and they were too artsy-fartsy at that), and because I don't want readers to be misled by the author's name into thinking this is a No So Big book. DO NOT buy this book sight unseen, especially if you are a fan of Not So Big. Borrow it from the library, or at least flip through all the way through it at a real bookstore before you spend the money on it. It's not for everybody.

Exasperating
Who edited this book? Does Sarah Susanka really believe that a photograph which measures 1.5" x 1.5" is useful? I am a young person with 20/20 vision, and could not focus on these pictures. Susanka explains good design in a way that is original and refreshing; when a room looks good, she tells you why - and this is deeply informative. But the art of design is VISUAL, end of story. A blind person does not care if the alcove has wainscoting! Why then, would a designer of her calibre allow puny, useless, annoying photos in a book that costs $35.US??

All throughout, there they are: tiny little pictures that would have been stunning examples of well-placed design ideas, but instead serve to leave the reader frustrated and disappointed.
For example, under the heading "Art Glass Focus" is a picture of a remarkable stained-glass window panel. But the photo measures 2.25 x 3 inches. There is no context in a picture this small!

If you aren't bothered by pictures so small that you need a magnifying glass, then by all means buy the book. If you only care about interesting text - buy the book. But if you love interior design and get a thrill from a picture of a truly great room, then do yourself a favour and buy the New Decorating Book from Better Homes & Gardens. I waited two months on a waiting list at the library for this book and I am so glad that I didn't buy it - I would be furious.

Very refreshing!!
I look at home design's books constantly but have never felt compelled to actually buy one until reading Home By Design. The layout of various design options in this book is great for those who own homes and even for those who wish to own homes in the future. There were numerous suggestions on how to utilize any living space. The explanations weren't difficult to understand or patronizing to those of us that aren't interior decorators or architechts. The photographs are beautiful. The rooms in the photographs are spacious but not in a far fetched way that some home design books feature. By that, I mean that you could actually picture some of these rooms in your own home. I think it's important in home design books to make the reader feel comfortable. You don't want the book to have a fairy tale vision because it'll end up in a pile of books at some garage sale. I would definitely recommend purchasing this book. I will be keeping it as a reference manual in my personal library.

Good Design is Not an Accident
Sarah Susanka describes "Home by Design" as "the book I've always wanted to write." As an experienced architect, she works with clients who recognize what they like, but often lack the ability to describe it. She has developed not only a vocabulary to describe some of the design concepts she uses in her houses, but, through this new book, has illustrated these concepts with technically simple language and well selected photos.

She organizes the book into 27 concepts under the broad headings of "Space, Light, and Order." A chapter is devoted to each concept with photographs and layouts of a house carefully selected to illustrate the concept. Other illustrations are provided as needed, mostly selected from the other example houses.

The quality of publication is up to the standard of her first two books - beautiful photos, well formatted, pleasing to the eye and written in language accessible to a lay audience. She used the practice of her second book, illustrating the principles discussed with the works of other architects who share some of her design ideas. Except for three small photos, only one of the example houses is her own design (Introduction, pp. 10-17).

Does this really work? I can speak from a 6-year dialogue with the author that resulted in a house we love. My wife admired the author's work before I ever thought about building a house. We bought a "difficult" lot in an old neighborhood - long, narrow, with a big tree right in the middle of it. We needed an architect. We looked around and liked her work the best of the architects we considered. She accepted the challenge.

She had us make a scrapbook of house images we liked and drawings of layouts and other ideas that came to us. We talked a lot. She got an idea of our tastes in materials, forms and colors. She developed drafts of several houses she thought incorporated the ideas we liked. We selected a patchwork from among these possibilities. That provided the cartoon within which she applied her concepts of "Space, Light and Order."

The specifications of the house plans that evolved were very detailed - 19 pages of blueprints. Materials and construction methods were tightly specified. Despite that, several key pieces were designed on-site: the entry door, the fireplace surround, the stairwell, some of the trim layouts (both interior and exterior), several additional bookcases.

As I read the book, I can mentally illustrate each concept with at least one, often many, uses of the concept within our house design.

Does this work for others? It certainly should for readers who build a new house. Its not just that smaller is better - organization of space, use of natural light, alignment are essential to making a house look and feel right. Creative use of these principals is not necessarily expensive but it does not happen by accident. When a visitor admires the way something looks in our house, I tell them it is not an accident. It may look simple and easy, but it takes careful thought to provide the feel of a well-designed house.

Can this book be useful to the remodeler? I think so. Even if you can't knock out a lot of walls, most projects provide opportunity to reorganize the use of space, trim, surface materials, fixtures, window treatments, colors. These are all beautifully illustrated by this new book. For the remodeler, I'd suggest that the author's third book "Not So Big Solutions for Your Home", provides some essential insights that I would consider first principles, even before her first book, "The Not So Big House". Read "Not So Big Solutions", then develop the organization, balance, and beauty with the new book, "Home by Design". ... Read more

Book Description

Here is an exotic interior-design book for anyone who has ever dreamedof escaping to a different way of life. The elegant lifestyle, magnificent homes, andvaried furniture and decor of the French, Dutch, Spanish, English, and Danish islands ofthe Caribbean from the late 18th century to the early 20th century are revealed as neverbefore in this sumptuous volume.

With some of the most beautiful tropical islands on earth as a backdrop, dazzlingphotographs reveal the homes of the sugar barons who made their fortunes there. Tablesand beds from St. Thomas and Ste. Croix, armoires and chairs from Martinique,cupboards and chests from the Spanish Antilles, settees and cabinets from the Englishislands; all are works that combine the grace and opulence of European and NorthAmerican styles with the vernacular island forms and decorative motifs. These gorgeousexamples give the reader a unique view of the casual refinement of aristocratic Caribbeanliving. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Elegance and Sensuality
A gorgeous book that's as interesting and informative as it is beautiful. While reading Caribbean Elegance, I found myself transported back in time to an era when sugar was king and great fortunes in the Caribbean facilitated a style both elegant and sensual. This is a fascinating account of a pivotal period in history as reflected through the style of the furniture.

Tasteful Richness of Design!
Caribbean Elegance, how the title is only the tip of what lies between the cover as it is such a wonderful book to always have at hands reach for small mind vacations after a long day of work! The author has done a fantastic job of educating one about the Caribbean islands' history as well as the furniture. It is the only book that lives on my coffee table, and every person that visits is sure to pick it up and become mesmerized by the writing and captivated by the photographs! It is impossible to not fall madly in love with this amazing find of a book! It is so easy to read be it that the author is obviously passionate about his work, as he leaves the reader feeling the island warmth from his detailed writings of Caribbean history. The photographs are so well placed, and beautiful! What a tasteful, well written, and charming book! Well done!! One must be careful though, as you will be sure to want your house filled with Caribbean antiques as I am now doing!

Caribbean Elegance
This book was exactly what I was searching for. Not only is it visually stunning, but it provides a wealth of historical information on Caribbean style and furnishing. A wonderful resource if you want to understand how this very unique style of interior design came to be.

Magical Realism
Reading this book is like being invited to an elegant house party in the Caribbean. You then enter a world of magical realism, in which you sit in the veranda of an 18th century "Great House" with beautiful ocean views, and your pick of antique "planters' chairs," with cool drinks waiting on a "cupping table." You listen to tales of planters and merchants, of sugar cane fields and slaves turned artisans. The material culture of the Caribbean is presented here, seen through the lens of historical events, the experiences of the wealthy and those who served them. You learn wonderful details about the subtle differences of styles on the Spanish, Dutch, English, French and Danish islands. The photographs are beautiful and range from vistas to architecture to furniture and their details. It is also a very scholarly work, of interest to anyone who loves antiques, craftsmanship, history and the Caribbean.
This book is truly an experience you can come back to again and again, and discover something new (or old...).

Caribbean Excellence!
This book is a fabulous stroll through the history of all the caribbean islands complete with wonderful photographs. Influences on the design linked with a glimpse into life on the islands make this an engaging book difficult to put down. ... Read more

Book Description

It's the ultimate escape fantasy: Trade in the rat race for life on a tropical island and all the languid luxury that it evokes. For India Hicks and David Flint Wood, the dream became reality when, after high-profile careers-she as a fashion model, he as an advertising executive-the couple left the city behind for the Bahamas. Five years and three children later, the husband-and-wife team have impeccably restored three houses and one hotel. Fusing traditional European design with Asian, African, and Caribbean influences, the resulting interiors reflect their love of intense color and their keen sense of style-inherited on India's side from her father, the renown interior designer David Hicks, and further enhanced by the family's travels.

In Island Life, the secrets of these sumptuous, unique homes-used as locations for Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and Vogue magazine, among others-are revealed in intimate detail. With panoramic color photographs, David Loftus captures not only the eclectic combinations of antiques, flea market finds, and modern furnishings, but also the overall ambiance of the tropics. For those who share David and India's dream, this is where to start planning. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Nice to look at....PERIOD
The cover was very appealing. First impressions etc;. The inside photos even more so. The writing however sounded like the ramblings of a spoiled child living in an unreachable reality sometimes and at other times, the snobbery of an aristocracy only appreciated in the mind of the writer and those who really believe that paradise can only be created by the writer.

I live in the Bahamas and so yes I have a paradise of my own, but does anyone really care about 'my personal paradise' so much that they would read about it. I think not. The thing that makes simple beauty, well simply beautiful is simply leaving it alone.

Final thot; Nice to look at.....PERIOD.

other books I own - CARIBBEAN STYLE; CARIBBEAN ELEGANCE; ISLAND STYLE.

A gentle nod to British Colonial style
I enjoyed this book because it was full of accessible and affordable ideas, unlike so many interiors in magazines and design books that require you to be a millionaire before you begin to try and copy some of the ideas.

Elegant and Charming
I am very interested in both the tropics and interiors, so could not believe my good luck in finding this book. It illustrates perfectly a timeless elegance in the islands and has been well written, with a charming personal touch.

Disappointingly dull
I saw India Hicks on Larry King, so I got this book. Unfortunately, her decorating and style sense is a lot more dull than her personal life as a member of England's royal family. The island mood comes through in this book but the photos could have been taken ten or twenty years ago. I assumed the book would feature something newer.

I expected so much more from this book
I couldn't wait to get this, and now I'm sorry I wasted my money on it. There are no new ideas here, and the book is simply dull. Given India Hicks' pedigree, I expected more spark and flair than this. ... Read more

Book Description

Charles Faudree has elevated French Country style to a fine art. With an exuberant decorating attitude based around his favorite principle that "too much is never enough", Faudree has achieved an international reputation for creating settings that have all the elegant accoutrements of a French Country estate, lacking pretension but never charm.

With a discerning taste for the eclectic, Faudree is a master at one of the main tenets of this style-combining traditional prints, patterns, colors, and textures with just the right furnishings. Faudree has always been drawn, almost charismatically, to the charm of Country French. He comments, "There is simplicity, a gentle softness to the furnishings I find very calming and soothing. I love the mix of fabrics, blending plaids with florals and old tapestries. Country French is a truly working-class style."

Faudree is delighted to finally share his extensive knowledge with the public, in this long-overdue book that focuses on how to make any home into an elegant, inviting, and comfortable French Country retreat.

Charles Faudree graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with a degree in art. His client list is international, and he is regarded as a master of Country French style. This is his first book. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Charles Faudree's French Country Signature
This book is simply a splendid ode to the french style. The photos are beautifull and stylish and the text is very well written. Recommended.

Charles Faudree is the master of French Country.
If you love French Country, you will love Charles Faudree. His work brings out the best in the design - his use of toile and color are unequaled. This book is just the BEST, the best photographs, the best of arranging objects in the room, all un-paralleled. This is a book you can really get some great ideas from! I noticed that one review chastised the re-use of some of the photographs that have appeared in earlier publications. My thought on that is, so what? They were marvelous to see the first time and now here they are in one beautiful volume of decorating, to enjoy and view over and over again. I have tons of decorating books, and I have found a truly beautiful and delightful favorite in Charles Faudree's French Country Signature!

Doesn't grab my soul
I adore all things French so I am puzzling over my response to this book. I don't like it. It doesn't grab my soul the way real French style does. This book misses the mark by a mile. Of course, isn't this designer from Tulsa? (Oh, sure! That's where I go for decorating ideas.) Come on!

A dull little book
I'm sorry I got this. If you want dull decorating, buy this book. I'd say that it's aimed at people like my mother, but even she is cooler than this. It's full of dull, traditional, expected, "by the book" decorating. There's nothing fresh or new about this. If you want ordinary, traditional, old style, you don't need a book to create it. If you want a fresh sparkle or idea, find a better book than this one. Maybe people with no style of their own will find this appealing. I can't imagine why.

I love French but I don't love this
I love French style but I don't love this book. I think Mr. Faudri has his French and English mixed up. I think the rooms look like an odd mix of breeds. I also don't care for the fact that the rooms pictured in the book have a terrible amount off furniture and accessories in them. It's too much and the result doesn't look authentic but self-conscious, in my opinion. ... Read more

Book Description

The JUNKMARKET Girls reveal ideas from their unique creations, product line, and media ventures.

Secrets to finding good junk and how to use it for new and different purposes.

Inspiration for those searching for treasure at flea markets, garage sales, attics, and dumps.

Room settings illustrate decorating styles-urban industrial, country, cottage, retro, and even traditional.

Ideas and how-to projects to fashion candle holders from tractor parts, repurpose carpenter's levels as shelves, create photo holders from tennis racquet presses, make cornices from architectural molding, and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Refreshing antidote to canned style and bland McMansions
This book is the perfect, refreshing antidote to canned style and bland McMansions. Even if you're stuck in a bland builder house, you can add real style, character, and a sense of fun with the ideas that these authors show. It's much better than heading out to buy everything new at the furniture store. The location pictures definitely clarify that this is not a down-market trend. Instead, the junk trend is, as it always has been (even in my mother's day), about being original and having fun. The book puts the author's junkmarket finds and projects into style categories so there is something for everyone. I found ideas I loved in every chapter. As I said, the junking trend certainly is not new, but this book is! The book is a breath of freah air, and it offers a creative, updated look at how to shop for cool stuff you simply can't buy off the rack and what to do with it once you get it home!

A fun guide filled with ideas which work surprisingly well
Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer are the original 'Junkmasters': hockey moms who take 'junk' from broken umbrellas to strange machine parts, and transform it into a stylish home project. Here are instructions on how to create over twenty pieces from 'junk', along with nearly two hundred photos packed with ideas for decorating with 'repurposed junk'. The ultimate recycler's guide, Decorating Junkmarket Style is a fun, whimsical guide filled with ideas which work surprisingly well. Color photos abound.

BOUGHT IT FOR MY WIFE
I've always encouraged my wife to sell her creations but she's comfortable just making things for our home and for family and friends.She's been taking stuff out of garage sales or even off the garbage heap and turning them into wonderful creations for years.That's why she was so excited to read this book that was totally up her alley.While we live in the the 'burbs, her heart is for a country-style home and this book has provided her with many ideas to create decorative items that match her country tastes.I don't think she's made anything exactly out of the book but rather used it as a brain-stormer to adapt things she's already picked up, mainly for outside decor and the garden.The book is filled with outstanding photograhphy and excellent instructions.It will certainly inspire you to create some interesting items for your own home.

Ideas for Everyone
I decorated with my flea market finds long before shabby chic became a decorating term, so I was receptive to the ideas in this book.It would be great if more people would reuse things in the clever ways this book does, instead of always buying new.
The book includes photos of rooms to give you ideas plus has project how-to instructions.Their ideas can be used in a variety of decorating style from country to contemporary.This book will open up your thinking.Read it before heading for the next yard sale or flea market.

Repurposed Junk works in any home decor
Until I bought the book "Decorating Junkmarket Style" I thought old junk turned into useful junk could only be found in the country/cottage style of decorating. Boy was I wrong! Ki and Sue showed me through pictures, ideas and projects that junk can be used in any home decor whether it's upscale Traditional, urban Modern,or wacky fun Eclectic.

The side notes and project pages make the book interesting to read. It's not just a coffee table book for show but a useful book filled with fun projects to make and lots of creative ideas and tips in the quest for the perfect junk piece.

Their down to earth writing made me feel as though I'm a part of their Junkmarket Family. I plan to attend one of their famous sales and I can't wait until "Decorating Junkmarket Style 2" comes out. These ladies definitely have the touch when it comes to Junk. ... Read more

Book Description

From choosing a color scheme to redesigning an entire house, Mary Gilliatt’s Interior Design Course provides a complete step-by-step road map for success. This book is conveniently organized into two sections. Section One, The Basics, provides tested techniques for mastering the main elements of good design: lighting; color; texture and pattern; and scale and balance. It also includes a valuable overview of historical styles, providing the reader with a quick-reference catalog of common design influences.

Section Two, The Specifics, demonstrates an array of creative approaches for walls, windows, floors, and furnishings suitable for any type of room. Readers will discover how to use special paint finishes and fabrics to create exciting wall coverings; innovative ways to bring new life to blinds, curtains, screens, shutters, and other window treatments; tips for choosing the right type of furniture to complete a specific room; and finally, how to combine all these elements together to create a harmonious, one-of-a-kind living space.

Finally, the all-important Finishing Touches section demonstrates how to choose the accessories and extra details that help reflect a particular look or style. Plus, this remarkable guide is packed with lavish photography and clear, insightful text that make it easy for readers to utilize these very same no-fail techniques in their own homes.

Perfect for veteran decorators as well as novices decorating their first home, Mary Gilliatt’s Interior Design Course is the definitive one-stop guide for creating interiors that are beautiful, unique, and totally one’s own. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Helpful Book
This book is excellent for laying out the basics for decorating/designing a house. More so than other books, descibes in detail numberous aspects of decorating that are important and not just stating the obvious.

My only diappointment of the book are with the photographs. The books descibes dozens of differnt style of decorating. 95% of the photographs are of contemporary/modern homes. Having a few more traditional photographs would have been helpful.

Outstanding Intro. Course!
The Interior Design Course book by Mary Gilliat's is defenitely a comprehensive interior design 101 for all of those interested in design, decoration and perhaps contemplating interior design as a future career. The book takes you from initial planning stages to the small details, gives you solutions to any design problems, and offers an extensive glossary of terms at the end of each section. This book is a must for the budding decorator! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent insight for Seamstress
I had been searching through all of the sewing books I could find to learn more about the nature of fabric and fibers...and everything I could possibly want to know was here, and more. Absolutely fascinating. It is a textbook, but was written clearly enough that anyone with an interest in the area can easily understand it. I've been teaching classes to costumers and members of the local American Sewing Guild, who are equally impressed with the knowledge we got from this book.

Connecting Textiles and Science
I use this book as the text for teaching a basic textiles course for sophmores. This text provides a sound foundation for students understanding the textiles and the science foundations that are the base for predicting textile performance. Every line is packed with information; there is no fluff in this book. If you want to understand WHY textiles and textile products perform in specific ways, this is the book to buy. ... Read more

Book Description

Love the look of mid-century, modern, retro design, but don't feel like dropping two weeks' pay on an Eames chair? In Handmade Modern, Todd Oldham shares his passion for mid-century modern homes with over 52 do-it-yourself projects for anyone who loves crafts and longs to add character to every corner of his or her home.

Todd Oldham has received accolades during an impressive career bringing couture fashion and elegant design to a more inclusive and broader audience, first in MTV's "House of Style", and today though his line of housewares and school supplies for Target, and his line of home furnishings for La-Z-Boy. In Handmade Modern he offers cutting-edge makeover plans for the office, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and closet, all designed to be both fresh and enormously practical. In this beautifully designed full-color book, Todd tackles each room in the house, starting with a beauty shot of each room, and then breaking the room down into its components, each one a do-it-yourself project. In the living room, for example, he takes you through projects with a difficulty range of 1 through 5:

a space-saving freestanding bookshelf (5) matching end tables (4) reupholstered pillows (2) Lucite picture frames (2)

Each project is charted through step-by-step photos and instructions until the fabulously mod end.

Handmade Modern promises to revolutionize the way the reader looks at his or her own home and capacity to beautify a space. Chic, accessible, and fun, this is the achievable new look of modern home design. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

shoddy and over-styled at best
save your money and time, this book is just an overblown homage to Oldhams ego. With a glossary that includes the definition for "masking tape" and "velcro"Todd must think he's dealing with some developmentally challenged 12 year olds. I knowfelt like I'd lost several IQ points after I waded through this cheese-fest.

With the exception of about 3 projects, the book is full of either laughably childish projects like colored sand candle holders and lamps covered in glued yarn (Flashback! I'm 8 years old and it's VBS all over again!) or expensive ways to make furniture of a rather questionable quality. I was left wondering what the staged room sets shown in the photos would look like after a couple of months, never mind if someone actually had to live with them. Can you imagine the messy peeling and bubbling that would occur if you actually did glue photocopy paper to the wall for wallpaper? If' you reallywanna go for the punk rock approach, you don't need Todd telling you how to do it.

Not for amateurs
The projects in this book are not for amateurs, so I was disappointed. The idea of modern projects instead of the glut of cutesy cottage and traditional projects that fill most books and magazines today is great. But these projects require that you have a lot of tools and know something about using them. By the time I get all the tools and ruin a lot of materials in learning what to do with them, I may as well just buy ready-made furniture. I was hoping for more simple projects.

good for those of us with design-lust on a budget
I'm not experienced with building furniture at all, but I don't find this book scary. It outlines the materials you'll need, dimensions, tools, and specifies meterials. I'm hyped to get ahold of and play with my first power tools in order to start on some of these projects. There are also sections on noteworthy designers and their styles, so if you aren't familiar with post-modern design you get a little bit of a history lesson as well.

The thing I'm most excited about is the guide to building floating-box bookshelves,as I certainly can't (and would refuse to) spend $1,600 on the designer bookshelf it mimics (*coughcoughBluDotcough*..."design you can afford," my ass!)

My big complaint is this book could have used more attentive editing. For example, on page 93, the last step of the storage bench instructions ends with: "Be sure that the" And that's it. How frustrating! Be sure that the what?? Crap! Now I'll NEVER be sure of...whatever it was! It makes me worry that there are other errors, perhaps in dimensions or other instructions, that I wouldn't notice until I'm in the middle of trying to build something.

Not for the faint of hammer...
When I first saw this book, I was enamored. So many good ideas. Who would have thought there were so many uses for wood veneer? I certainly wouldn't have. The book is packed with projects, and is an excellent idea book.

The downside,though, is many of the projects are not for novices. You need to be very comfortbale with power tools, have to be willing to shell out some extra cash for good materials,and have the time to go slow and do it right.

But if you are handy, and really take pride in fixing up and decorating your home, this book is a useful addition to your DIY bookshelf.

So much promise, so little delivered.
When I first read reviews of this book, I thought that it had considerable promise - as a grad student, I was looking forward to being able to build some nice things for my apartment. The book simply does not deliver.

The author does not seem to share the color sensibility present in many mid-century modern designs - in fact, I don't see much color sensibility at all.

The projects, for the most part, are not the most exciting bits of mid-century design, and for the labor that they entail, they do not seem terribly worthwhile. For the most part, one would be better off buying one of these pieces of furniture at the local junk store and spending a few dollars fixing it up.

I haven't yet seen a better book, but I really cannot recommend this one. ... Read more

Book Description

The Tuscan house, whether a simple homestead or expansive villa,has become one of the most sought-after living environments. Its design isvirtually unchanged since the Middle Ages, when landowners in the golden hillsof Tuscany built country retreats with gardens, porticoes, and loggias. Thelandowners often drew upon the natural resources of the region-and it is thesematerials that give the Tuscan house its unique character. Tuscan Elements brings to life the colors, textures, and aesthetics of theTuscan house-the magnificent stone and marble work; the hardwoods like chestnut,oak, and elm; earthy terra-cotta and brick; and the all-important water feature,used in ponds, fountains, and pools. This unique, visual sourcebook deconstructsthe typical Tuscan home and examines its basic components in dazzling detail,from the tiled roof and floor, thick stone exterior walls, and vine-coveredloggia to the exposed wooden beams, luminous frescoes, and the sunny courtyardgarden with an ancient well or exquisite swimming pool.Filled with extraordinary photos by world-famous interiors photographer SimonMcBride, Tuscan Elements emphasizes living life well with a home that nurturesand comforts, accentuates the importance of family and friends, and entertainswith good food and drink. For anyone interested in infusing their present homeand garden with a little bit of Tuscany, here is a delightful source of never- ending inspiration. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

dreaming
I have not been able to put this book down since I received it. I have always dreamed of visiting Italy, but until that time comes, I have been redecorating my home to reflect that dream. I now have a "Tuscan kitchen" that makes me very happy to be in. I bought this book for new ideas,and also to confirm that the elements in my home already are the correct ones. I was thrilled to find these "Tuscan elements" such as pottery, stones, tiles discussed throughout. And the photographs inspire me to pay attention to details. It's all about the textures of the walls, the colors, how you display your ceramics....the pictures are beautiful. I may not get to Italy any time soon, but this book helped bring my dream a little closer to home.

At least I can dream
Well, I'll never own a villa or even an old farmhouse in Tuscany, but this book gives me plenty of fodder for dreaming. Since Frances Mayes put Tuscany on the map with her Under the Tuscan book's phenomenal success, everybody wants to visit the region - and most covet some ole building, yearning to do what Mayse did: buy, renovate, live, and enjoy.
This book brings to life the colors, textures, and aesthetics of Tuscan houses - the magnificent stone work, the hardwoods used interiorly, the earthy terracotta and brick work, and water. Everywhere, water: ponds, fountains, pools... We can, on these pages, explore the tiled roofs, the thick stone exterior walls and the vine-covered loggia, the exposed wooden beams, luminous frescoes, courtyard gardens, ancient kitchens. It's all here in this seductive book that captures the essence of what is so special about the Tuscan style: stone, wood, earth, and water. Sit down with a cup of espresso and relax with Tuscan Elements, ripe for reading, browsing...and dreaming. ... Read more

Book Description

Ready, set, glue! One of the hottest trends in home decorating today is the creative use of a glue gun to transform objects, accessories, furniture, and even architectural details into elegant, one-of-a-kind creations. In Glue Gun Decor, design diva Marian McEvoy provides all the guidance beginners and experienced designers will need to master this amazingly affordable decorating method.

A comprehensive how-to guide, the book features easy-to-follow instructions for using a glue gun to embellish walls, ceilings, furniture, frames, lampshades, pillows, upholstery, flowerpots, and more with materials ranging from fabric and appliqués to shells and leaves. Fifty unique projects are included, many of them explained in step-by-step photographs. With Glue Gun Decor, do-it-yourself decorators will be gluing their way to a more beautiful home in no time. AUTHOR BIO: Marian McEvoy is former editor in chief of both Elle Decor and House Beautiful. She has written for such publications as the International Herald Tribune, Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar, and has made numerous television appearances. Glue Gun Decor is her first book. Prior to becoming a specialist in architecture and design photography, Chris Kendall was involved in building restoration and furniture design. He lives in Rhinebeck, New York. ... Read more