5 comments about Choosing Colors: An Expert Choice of the Best Colors to Use in Your Home.

1. This is by far the best color reference book I have ever used. I am a residential design professional and there is a palette for everyone on your list in this book. It even provides you with the American paint suppliers and paint names/reference numbers. The brief histories are a plus as well. It is simply the fastest way to help yourself with color palettes for all architectural styles from antiquity to the present.



2. Save your money and buy the Color Bible. While this does have some historical references, unless you are doing a period home, do you care? I re-read the "how to use this book" 5 times. Couldn't find the numeric references to the palettes ("on palette 17.....etc"). Asked a few friends to help cause I was obviously missing something.
   
   Not worth the work. Buy a color wheel and a painters fan deck instead.



3. I bought this book while trying to plan a color palette for our new house. I've always liked houses with some color on the walls and different colors in different rooms. The challenge is finding colors that match the furnishings of each room and yet still coordinate with the other room colors.
   
   The book provides broader and more versatile palettes than I was able to find in any other book. Better yet, it provided some scattered advice about what colors to use in particular situations (i.e. exterior vs. interior, main color vs. accent, cloudy climate vs. sunny climate). It also offered advice about how to put together color combinations that work. For example, I found it's advice about the surprising utility of purple colors in bringing a complex palette together was quite useful.
   
   I would have liked to have found a book that offered more systematic advice or a palette that was precisely what I needed, but using the principles and some of the examples in this book I was able to put a household palette together that I am reasonably pleased with.



4. Kevin McCloud is an authority on residential architecture and design, and his personal choice of the best colors to use in every type of home makes choosing a snap in CHOOSING COLORS, which includes over 700 color swatches and tips for home decor ranging from historical to modern. From early period colors to modern earth tones and mixes, there are plenty of outstanding examples perfect for selecting the right color shade and combination, making this a top pick for any lending library strong in home and garden guides.



5. This was exactly the book I was hoping it would be. It truly helps you choose colors from the popular brands of paint available. I was most interested in colors for a room with only a northern exposure. Every color I tried seemed to turn green on the walls. This book was extremely helpful in this regard. The only reason I gave it only 4 stars instead of 5 is the same reason others have commented on. The paint colors used in palette 28 and 29 were omitted from the reference guide in the rear of the book. It covers blue which is most people's favorite color so the omission is significant. Fortunately, for me, blue is my least favorite color.

1 comments about Mini House Now.

1. Made me feel like a glutton after buying an 1200 sq. foot condo... what a waste of space! An excellent book showing you don't need an 8,000 square foot mansion to live comfortably. The book is also great for anyone interested in minimalism interior design as many of the homes don't allow for much clutter or adornment.

4 comments about Party Basics for New Nesters: More Than 100 Fresh Ideas for Holidays and Every Day.

1. This is an awesome book. Not only is it a great shower gift but I gave them to single friends and married couples. It makes a lovely anniversary gift. I have already used my copy several times and I am married for 35 years! You can always learn new things about dinner parties, decorating ideas and how to make a cosmopolitan.Party Basics for New Nesters: More Than 100 Fresh Ideas for Holidays and Every Day



2. This book is amazing in every way! I just pulled off a dinner party that could have been a nightmare without this guide. I wanted everything to be perfect, and it was. The photos are exquisite and gave me great ideas that are actually do-able. Most helpful were Maria's tips on stocking up on party basics. A must have for all of those who stress before hosting any event- big or small.



3. I bought this book for my newly married daughter. But of course, I had to sneak a peek for myself! The book is warm and "user friendly"! Maria makes everything look easy and fun to do. Not only is this a book that you would use over and over again for ideas, it would look fabulous on any coffee table.
   Thumbs up!



4. What a fabulous book, Maria has done it yet again. As a new nester myself ( not married, but single in a new home) I have to tell you this book is not only the perfect addition to my coffee table, but has given me the courage to invite people over and feel like I have all the pieces in place for a fabulous party. All of Maria's party planning ideas are done with greatest attention to detail, that I know my guests will appreciate and definitely comment on! A celebration planning guide that will take you from start to finish, all year-round.
   Definitely the most stylish gift for any housewarming party!

5 comments about Caribbean Elegance.

1. Not so long ago I saw Caribbean Elegance at a friend's house. My friend was gracious enough to lend it to me to read. After reading it, I felt I should have my own copy, so I ordered a copy from amazon.com.
   
   Not only is Dr. Connors' narrative comprehensively informative and enjoyable, but Bruce Buck's photographs are absolutely beautiful.
   
   Together they have introduced me to a heretofore, to me at least, world of fascinating furniture and decorative arts. Kudos to Dr. Connors and Mr. Buck.
   
   I look forward to acquiring the rest of their work.



2. This book has great pictures of West Indian furniture and its focus is only on the furniture. I was looking for some ideas on how to design using this style, but not much can be gotten directly on how to do this from this book. However, I did come away with a good sense of the various influences on the West Indian style.



3. This book had some interesting facts, but as an interior designer who was looking for inspirational pictures for room designs I thought it had moderate value.



4. I have owned this book for over a year and always thought it was an excellent book but wasn't inspired to write a review until just recently, when I received a new book I purchased called "Caribbean Style". This book, "Caribbean Elegance", is everything that the other book is not. I love this book! The photography is incredible, encompasing everything from the smallest furniture detail or accessory, to entire historical exteriors & interiors, and exquisite scenery!
   The text gives a detailed history of the settlers and islands, really giving you an understanding of how the various styles of West Indies architecture and furnishings came into being. It also distingushes the furnishings by their various European influences, such as Spanish, English or Dutch, among others. As an interior designer I found this book fascinating and educational. But even for someone who just has a love of the islands, the photography alone is worth the price of the book.



5. 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.

No comments about Private Views: Inside the World's Greatest Homes (Architectural Digest).

5 comments about Vintage French Interiors: Inspiration from the Antique Shops and Flea Markets of France.

1. This is an address book with one picture from each source. Takes up a lot of space for a source list. Useful perhaps for designers.



2. While the subtitle of this book on it's own is a fairly accurate, the title is definitely misleading. The first two times I spied it at Borders and months later at Barnes and Nobles I was so excited. That's how inaccurate the dustcover is. I was fooled twice! I'm so glad I saw it first in a brick and mortar store because I WOULD have ordered it if I come across it on Amazon. And I would have been very disappointed. It is not about "vintage French interiors" or any other kind of interiors. I'm not saying the book has no value. It provides an interesting survey of objects one might run across at a Paris flea market. Some of the items looked as if they might be available at a Kansas flea market as well. (Isn't that interesting. Some Europeans may have appreciation for things just because they are American, that strike us as "ugly then, ugly now".) But the title does imply that the book will explore at least some examples of these finds being used to decorate interiors. It doesn't.



3. This is exactly what the title says.....The book takes the reader from specific flea market or antique area in France. There are addresses, phone numbers and web sites. Several interesting catagories of Flea Market finds are examined such as vintage school posters or handmade tools. The book is divided into areas of France describing the true finds of each region. Great chapter on Isle sur le Sorgue, the altimate French antique treasure trove. I almost didn't open the book because of the bad revirews from people who were expecting a "decorating" magazine. A great addition for those of us who love Fance....great photos too!



4. Having pre-ordered this I was a little apprehensive about its contents, despite its promising description and cover. I was not disappointed! It took me on a nostalgic trip to the flea markets of Paris I had visited and wetted my appetite to visit more. I love the slightly shabby brocante featured and the imaginative displays provide inspiration. The title could be a little misleading; however, the subtitle gives an accurate description of the books contents.



5. I buy LOTS of books on interior design and decorating. I pre-ordered this book with high expectations - after all, its title is "Vintage French Interiors." A better title would have been "Junky Stuff from a Flea Market that Could Be From Anywhere." The "Vintage" part is correct if you are interested in old, rusted, chipped, broken, junky "vintage" items. As for the "French" part, there is really nothing that stands out as "French." It looks just like stuff from any American Flea Market. And, what is really disappointing is the "Interiors" part of the title. These are not photos of "interior" rooms using "vintage French" items. It is just a collection of close-up shots of items displayed at a Flea Market.
   
   I am highly disappointed and, hopefully, have learned my lesson on pre-ordering. If you are looking for photos of gorgeous rooms filled with French ambiance, look elsewhere.

4 comments about Adirondack Home.

1. This is a must read for any who are interested in the Adirondack style, or in Camp Topridge, the great camp which once belonged to Marjorie Meriweather Post.
   Outstanding!



2. Ralph Kylloe did a excellent job of describing the Adirondack region and its homes. The photos are an inspiration, especially to someone owning an Adirondack home.



3. "In time the Adirondacks became synonymous with rugged living, fishing and hunting, other outdoor activities and all sorts of rest and relaxation. It was because of the great camps and rustic furniture that Adirondack became a style until its own." ~Ralph Kylloe
   
   After a brief history with pictures, Ralph Kylloe delves into the beauty of Adirondack design. There are magical items in this book you may never see anywhere else like the rustic and romantic bridge design, complete with trolls.
   
   The magical computer desk and chair look like something out of a fairy tale. Contemporary boats rest in luxurious boathouses and small guest houses are nestled beneath the trees. Many lodges and camps are featured and show the ingenuity of design. Chairs made with boat paddles and artistic waterways flowing through wood decks make this a very intriguing read. What is most interesting is how the exterior is brought inside and how artist envision one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture.
   
   This book would be an inspiration to artists, architects and designers interested in this classic style.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



4. imagining yourself in the homes pictured in this magnificent book. Again, Kylloe has outdone himself capuring the pure essence of what a true home in the Adirondacks is all about. No author has a better technique on showing the reader all the rustic beauty thats out there far beyond our imaginations, by taking us on his personal home tours into some of the most gorgous beautiful Adirondack homes, most on lakes. He includes Adirondack history and again shows us in many of the homes the rustic furniture and decorating styles that depicks the true meaning of what life must be like for some to own these truely magnificent homes.

5 comments about The Paris Apartment: Romantic Decor on a Flea-Market Budget.

1. This book was filled with fabulous creative (affordable!) ways to live like you dream of living. I was in NYC and had the honor of meeting author, Claudia Strasser, in person. She is beautiful, bubbling with enthusiasm, personality and fabulous suggestions! I think this book is a must buy for anyone with big dreams and a smaller budget. In fact, it's a must buy for those of all budgets!



2. Over the past 7 years when I discovered this talented woman & couldn't wait to purchase her book I must have given away over 20+ of her books because when people visit my plantation on the Northshore of New Orleans or visit my mountaintop home 20 minutes from San Francisco in Silicon Valley California they all ask...........who is your designer????? I respond with a copy of Claudia's book.
   
   As a Global Traveler I had never seen this style in the states all of those years ago & she was one of the first. I instantly copied in both homes on both coasts of the US & I still go online to her website for inspiration. She is cutting edge & the world has copied her. I always thought she should have had her own TV Show. When I pull her book out I see something new every time.
   
   A devoted fan with an entire new home again. . . . a la Parisian Style. Thanks Claudia!!



3. This book has no interest for someone interested in decorating. Very boring, not enough photos. A real vanity book.



4. this has been on my want list for a year or more, and I finally found a copy at my library. I am SO glad I didn't buy this. It is way, way too overdone for my taste, and in no way does it reflect any element of french style that I've seen. I'd consider myself a francophile, but even Versailles looks restrained in comparison to Strasser's layers upon layers upon layers. I'd hate to clean in any of these rooms. There are some good ideas, like the rinceau treatment of the warehouse room turned parlor, but they were largely hidden under swaths of satin and clutter. I'd hoped for more depictions of true french designs.



5. I loved this book and have shared my copy more than I can remember so now I just purchase them for my good girlfriends. Beyond the practical 'how tos'' for any budget, I love the greater message that Ms. Stasser reveals. Each of us can create a beautiful, decadent, relaxing area for ourselves. I chose my bathroom tub(I did the beading), a freestanding vanity (that I ventured to the flea market for!) and a private telephone area for just me with an old fahioned telephone table and comfy chair and cuddly chenille throw. Each area has a few very beautiful trickets, smells great and has lush fabrics. My kids prohibit the truly frenchie from existing anywhere else. But, I bought some french cds and the kids listen to them in the car! I LOVE my spaces - they are transcenant - truly. I have my piece of The Paris Apartment.

5 comments about Bali Houses: New Wave Asian Architecture and Design.

1. A beautiful book well balanced in terms of text and pictures. The quality of the pictures is second to none. Compared to other books about Balinese style mostly focused on interiors, this one captures not only the essence of the interiors but also open spaces and gardens.



2. Great photography and awesome scenarios. It really brings the feeling of being in Bali. And the decorations show the artistic side of the new interiors of the open living. It inspires my clients when they come inside my furniture store. Of the books I have from Bali, this is certainly the one with the best pictures!



3. Being a Decorator, this comes in handy for clients who like the look of the Tropics. It's a complete book of ideas, design strategies, and an overall look into another world of comfortable, colorful, Paradise influence to bring a little joy to the reader.



4. This is a genuinely fine book. The photographs are spectacular, with fine color and resolution.
   The text isn't too in-depth about houses in Bali, but the pictures speak for themselves.
   I wholeheartedly recommend it, got me?



5. Good overall but not as informative as Bali Modern another book by same author. PHotography excellent.

5 comments about Interior Design Course: Principles, Practices, and Techniques for the Aspiring Designer (Quarto Book).

1. This book contains nothing that I expected based on the description. I should have read the other reviews before purchasing. I can't even use it as a coffee table book. To be fair, I don't know how good this book is because it had very little to do with what the description provided. Perhaps a seasoned professional might find it of interest.



2. no problems with my purchase. I received it promptly and in the condition stated. Great doing business with you!



3. This book is not what I expected at all... I its nothing of interest... I think I have learned more about that in a wonderful spanish magazine "El Mueble" the thing is that I cant find it here in the States...



4. DON"T WASTE YOUR MONEY,book gives very limited information and covers useless information Don't buy it



5. I love this book! It's been helpful in understanding what level of thought goes into each step of the design process, including how to approach different design scenarios! As a student, I totally recommend it to other students and those who are just curious!
   [...]