1 comments about The Way We Live In the City (Way We Live (Rizzoli)).

1. This is a terrific book, full of all great photographs of beautiful places. Lots of ideas for anyone interested in decorating a room, or designing a home. Too often design books are either too extravagant or feel rather staged in they way a house is photographed. This book finds home -- both fancy and simple -- that are about great taste and they are photographed in a way that is very beautiful, but also real. You know a team of assistants didn't spend the day lighting every surface of the room. A really inspiring book.

5 comments about Villa Decor: Decidedly French and Italian Style.

1. Formal, grand, stark, traditionally European. However, perhaps more of a coffee table book, and not intended to inspire Americans looking for a quaint, rustic European style to immiate on a modest budget. I thought that some of the photos are old or out of date, but I think that most of these estates are so vast and expesively decorated that it may be decades/centuries before the decor changes. Anything but fadish or trendy.



2. Sadly only three out of nearly 200 pages of photos inspired me. The few pictures that caught my attention had nothing to do with interior design. The style of the rooms were so bland. Though Philips showcased many homes throughout Texas, most shown had the same color scheme and no personality. I felt as though I were looking at the same home page after page. If you're looking for authentic French and Italian decor, you won't find it here.
   
   However this may be the perfect book for someone who lives in Texas (numerous resources listed in the back) and if your design aesthetic includes yellow painted walls with rooms furnished in dark mahogany wood.



3. Nice book that inspires you to use ideas from it, for your own client design projects



4. I really loved the this book for trying to copy nicely decorated rooms. I also used it as a guide when selecting new furniture to buy. I didn't like the comments on the French/Italian eras but the pictures of the rooms the decorator has done are beautiful. I love it and am looking for more like this one.



5. Although I have a much smaller home, I am using much of the design elements by Ms. Phillips in the renovation of my home.

No comments about Sustainable Commercial Interiors.

4 comments about Business and Legal Forms for Interior Designers.

1. I received this book in a reasonable amount of time and in the condition promised. Thanks!



2. THIS BOOK IS NECESSARY FOR ALL INTERIOR DESIGNERS, JUST ABOUT EVERY FORM NECESSARY TO START AND RUN A BUSINESS IS IN THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK SHOULD SHOULD ALSO BE USED FOR INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS PRACTICES COURSES



3. Book was a help to understand what forms would be useful for an owner of an interior design business. the book contained information on how the form is used, an example of the form. a cd was included that contained all forms covered in the book. this was most useful. To be honest, the forms were very basic and did not take advantage of color printers or fancy fonts. I used the forms I needed as a model to create a better versions in microsoft excel. If you are looking for basic forms to provide your clients and vendors, this book contains all that you need. If you need something alittle fancier, and are good with your computer, model your own from what is provided. I would still rate this book as a good buy.



4. This book is really helpful. I love the forms and that they are all on CD in variable formats. Great place to start from!

5 comments about Home Quick Planner: Reusable, Peel & Stick Furniture & Architectural Symbols.

1. I've used the planner to layout several rooms, and the pieces are still sticky after repeated use. It's a very user friendly product. My only issue is that there are many more kitchen and bath cabinets and appliances, etc. than furniture, and I purchased this to plan furniture layouts, not to layout bathrooms or kitchens.



2. I purchased this for my interior design class. This has proven to be a great asset for furniture placement. The templetes are reuseable



3. I got this from my husband for my birthday and I was very excited, but once I got to working with the kit I could not finish my project because there were not enough of the wall strips. So if you are doing a large plan this kit may not be what you need without purchasing additional kits, but if you are doing a small plan or single room remodels its fine.



4. The Home Quick Planner is an excellent way to lay out and discover alternative floor plans, decorating ideas and propose major home remodeling changes. I have found it very helpful.



5. As an Interior Designer for 20 years, the problem I have with computerized design programs is that you can't take them with you. The Home Quick Planner is one of the few things that really is easier and more efficient without a computer. These planners allow me to easily come up with several different design options for my clients, and perhaps more importantly, gives my clients the flexibility to play around with different layouts and furniture placement on their own. In addition, their 1/4" scale makes them a perfect fit to be dropped right into standard architectural plans. I have found these to be an invaluable, time saving tool. They just work better, and my clients love them!

5 comments about New French Country: A Style and Source Book.

1. I purchased this book as a gift and had done a lot of research looking for just the right one. I loved the book from the moment I opened it and was very excited to see not only beautiful pictures but loads of ideas and design elements that were very helpful. The receiver of the book was also very thrilled with the design elements and help that the book brought to help with decorating her home in the french country style. Loved It.



2. This is one of the best books on Country French that I've found. The illustrations are wonderful, whether you prefer the older designs or are looking for something with a more modern feel. I loved just looking at the pictures and getting a feel for the colors and styles. This is a book I'll return to again and again to get the feel of the French countryside.



3. The book was very informative. It gave me many ideas on how to include my furnishings with a French feel.



4. I can see this book is going to sit on the top of the coffee table book pile for a long time to come. Aside from the fabulous photos of French Provincial homes, Dannenberg delicately picks apart the details that make a typical Provincial home and garden. It does the job so much better than we sitting in another continent can grasp from a few photos in a book. It teaches us how to copy this style and really appreciate the quality of each piece of furniture, artwork or chattel we acquire for own little pretend patch of France.
   I love this book!



5. Really a wonderful book - both beautiful to look at and informative. Very interesting reading, as well as artistically lovely with wonderful, colorful photography. I am not a decorator or designer by trade, but go to this type of book for creative inspiration, and this one was a winner.

5 comments about Colonial Style: Creating Classic Interiors in Your Cape, Colonial, or Saltbox Home.

1. The book was purchased to help guide an authentic restoration of a 1925 Saltbox in Atlanta. The cover was among the best photographs in the book, but many others were helpful in establishing a general sense of the colonial aesthetic, with which we were unfamiliar. The mouldings section was far briefer(and less helpful) than I was hoping for, but suppose you can't expect a full chapter devoted to base boards. Because we were adding a fireplace and bookcases, pictures from the book proved invaluable in communicating trim details to the contractor. In summary, the book well served our purposes. A heady read on colonial design it is not.



2. What it lacks in substance, it makes up for with pretty pictures. For historical zealots (such as myself) this book will leave you hungry for more information about Colonial homes and their historical roots, but for what it is, it's pretty decent. This book has good artwork, clean pictures and an interesting array of different Colonial styles.
   
   That being said, I was profoundly disappointed in the book's lack of images and information on the ubiquitous Colonial Revival. That was my reason for buying this book, as I wanted to learn more about that style of housing. "Colonial Style" had very little on this incredibly popular genre (and derivation) of domestic architecture.
   
   Then again, I am a purist. If you want some decorating ideas and like to look at pretty pictures of old Williamsburg-era Colonials, you'll love it.



3. This is a book which explores (mostly) middle class home interiors of the 18th and early 19th century. Yes, there are some odd digressions, but by and large it's a fine work brimming with great photos and ideas, mostly taken from original homes. This book is a solid effort, showing what appropriate 18th century interiors should look like when cleaned up in a modern restored house, or a recreated one. Those who like authentic interiors will like this book. Those who do not want an authentic interior, but want to mix and match taking a bit of this and a bit of that, but still want to call it colonial, will possibly find these interiors "dark and provincial". Well - news flash: 18th century middle class and lower class interiors in North America were, by their very nature, both dark (candle light, small windows, soot, dark paint) and provincial (being the colonies, after all). The word colonial has its own cachet, and many people insist on applying it to their house, no matter what kind of eclectic mish mash it is.



4. This book has pretty pictures, but focuses on a more rustic colonial home. Think charming, yet squeeky, New England Inn. I was hoping for some pictures and ideas for a more "updated" Colonial with larger rooms. A little less "shabby chic" and more "classic decorating".
   
   I only write this review to guide others. The book is nice and is perfect for that person who likes the older, historic-feeling home.



5. As proud new owners of an antique home in Marblehead, MA -- built circa 1720 -- we were thrilled to find Treena Crochet's "Colonial Style." It helped greatly in getting our creative juices in motion. And the author even took time to respond to my e-mail inquiry about a ceiling issue which had us stumped. The book is a real pleasure to own -- just like our antique home! Ann and Mike

5 comments about My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living.

1. I adored this book. I loved the stories and I loved the IDEAS. Now, pay attention: He doesn't lay out a formula for decorating and yes his rooms are a little "over the top." Would I have two giant chinese dogs on my patio? No..., BUT, I'm on the hunt for two smaller ones because I loved the idea. His other concepts -- using tassles in unexpected places, usuing color, pillows, adding "whimsy" -- are all concepts I'm using now in my home.
   
   I have two tassles now hanging from sconces that adorn my old Boston home. His vision also inspired me to see decorating in a new way and step out of the traditional paradigm. I'm combining prints, using bold colors, pairing different period pieces together. And ya know what? It looks GREAT and now our home is starting to reflect not just my style, but my husband's as well.
   
   Finally, his opening chapter is a forward by his life partner, who attests that decorating and your surroundings really *do* have an impact on your relationship. And ya know what? He's right!
   
   Great book, Jonathan. Keep writing more!



2. If you need a reason to smile, crack this book open and get ready to be inspired! Jonathan Adler is a decorator that definitely knows his style and isn't afraid to step out of the box to achieve that look. I was transported back to the 60s and 70s when many of the looks displayed in this book were popular. I am a huge fan of color and believe that we should all "feather our nests" with a look that brings a smile to our face when we walk through our front door. Jonathan agrees...and delivers! This book is very enjoyable and, even if you don't subscribe to his aesthetic, I think you can still appreciate the fun personality of this artistic and creative author. I keep this book out on my table for easy access and refer to it often.



3. I bought this book for a friend's holiday gift, but liked it so much that I ended up keeping it.
   
   That being said, if you are looking for an instructional interior decorating book, this is not it.
   
   It's filled with vibrant colors, interesting designs, and cute anecdotes.
   
   If you have a few extra bucks, it's a nice treat - fluffy and light.



4. I don't normally write a review like this, but, what a terrible book! There is no motivational essence whatsoever,
   "throw a bunch of junk in a room, take a picture and call yourself a decorator". my friend said.
   "..only a mind of chaos and confusion would do this to a room", other friend.
   I ordered this book as a gift because I thought it was about decorating. We had a good laugh before I returned it. A nice chance to find out how close a friendship is.
   Lots of pictures of Mr. Adler.
   This book does have humor, ahem, but there are way better resources for decorating and humor. (good-grief, am I ever reaching for something "positive")
   If one can make colorful dull this man can and does. The book is about Mr. Adler promoting Mr. Adler.
   If you are not a "hollywood type..." stay clear. if this book represents the "hollywood type...", then I pity the "hollywood type..."
   It seems to be a picture book promoting the authors personal lifestyle. "A useless scrapbook" were the words of the gift recipient.
   "More like a coffee table book to find in the house of one, without goodtaste, who fantasizes a "hollywood lifestyle" not a decorator interest". Check it out carefully so you know you do share HIS tiresome, self-centered style and interests.
   As decorating help...his ideas are dated, limited and lacking in unity.
   A good experience in dealing with informational rip-off.



5. Well worth the money for this book! This book is awash with spectacular ideas for everyone's decorating tastes. Adler truly has the decorator's touch -- decorating a room without looking too overdone.

5 comments about Bungalow Details Exterior.

1. This book was a wedding gift. The recipients are restoring a Bungalow home. This book was on their gift wish list



2. Jane Powell is THE bungalow author to read. As a remodeler who specializes in 1920's bungalows, it pleases me to no end to read an author who really knows what she is talking about. Every Jane Powell book I have read is like a college course on that aspect of bungalow history, preservation, and renovation. This book is no exception. And she is really funny! Beautiful photos (as usual)by Linda Svendsen.



3. I enjoy this book and look at pretty regularly. I plan on using some of the details on future construction projects. However, the author is a bit too politically correct for my tastes. She keeps reminding us how "poison" vinyl is. That sort of bothered me. I am sure, given a choice, most people would choose to live a beautiful wooden or stone home rather than a vinyl clad manufactured home or tract home.. however lets be realistic. Those types of home are often what is affordable to the average family. Other than that issue.. I would recommend the book.. it has some great pictures and lots of information about bungalow exterior details.



4. Together writer Jane Powell and photographer Linda Svendsen create the best bungalow books on the market -- full of information, not just fluff. Whether you are thinking of remodelling your house, changing a few details, or just want to understand the history of your bungalow, this is the book to buy... and really, this book is very cheap compared to the price of a bad remodel.
   
   In my opinion the chapter on avoiding replacement window scams, while energy-retrofitting your house, should be required reading for all homebuyers.



5. I don't live in a Craftsman bungalow, but I'm adding a number of Craftsman details to my existing NW cabin style house. Over the years I have collected numerous books full of photographs of various bungalows but I have sold all of them now that I have this book. This one book contains information on nearly every exterior detail you are likely to need, and is lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings. It's an excellent reference for buffs and restorers. I have already pre-ordered the next volume which will cover interiors. Shame I have to wait 6 months!

5 comments about Casa California: Spanish-Style Houses From Santa Barbara to San Clemente.

1. This is a great book full of pictures, and spanish ideas. My company, Jeff Andrews Custom Home Design Inc. (www.jeffandrewsdesigns.com) are working on a remodel project in the Hollywood Hills. The 1920 structure is being re-modeled so that we keep the "Casa California" look and feel. Once we are finished, you will think the home was built that way in 1920, and its help from this book that took us there.



2. This book is a stunning historical account of the rise of the Spanish Mission architectural style in California. The pictures are vibrant and beautiful and the commentary is interesting and appropriate, but limited in order to let the pictures speak for themselves. A lovely coffee-table book.



3. For design ideas, this book will cater to mostly high-end clients but lets face it; most people who do any real custom homes are high-end clients, regardless of the architectural style.
   
   The photographs are beautiful and the book covers a broad array of Spanish influenced interpretations. I would liked to have seen more examples of wrought iron work and additional close-up photos of some of the design details but overall, this is a fantastic book and an exceptional bargain at Amazon's price.



4. This book is a very useful handbook for any Architectural or interior designer, it contains a lot of ideas a lot of which (in my openion) are easy to be implemented and does not cost so much.
   
   Best Regards
   Tareq Azzam



5. Ideal for learning about the architecture and decortating styles of Spanish style homes. The photgraphs are beautiful. I will rely on this book when I design my new home.