3 comments about 500 Ideas for Small Spaces: Easy Solutions for Living in 1000 Square Feet or Less.

1. This is an extremely helpful book that contains many suggestions for dealing with small spaces. I have a library of about 10 books relating to small space organization and design, and this is in the top 5. My biggest complaint is that few of the suggestions actually list suppliers of the items pictured. I was able to find a few of these items in Dwell magazine.



2. I'm moving from a 2500 sq ft home in the 'burbs to what I hope to be a 750 sq ft apt in Manhattan. I have not found a better book to give me ideas of how to organize my space in such a way that my husband and I feel like we are in a home rather than an apartment that feels like a college dorm room. This is a good book. Lots of pictures and lots of locales - not all in the US which I found interesting.



3. I was mislead by the subtitle of "easy solutions for living in 1000 sq feet or less". The ideas in it are great, but the most of the pictures don't really relay the message of "small space". You don't really get a whole room view. I was looking for something geared more towards small apartment living. Overall, the book has some good ideas, but nothing that hasn't been done before. Recommend you check the local library before purchasing.

5 comments about Santa Barbara Style.

1. Perfect represention of the Santa Barbara Style. Loved all the pictures, landscapes, ideas, and overall presentation of the book.



2. you just can't go wrong with these series of books, I have them all and they are outstanding



3. As an interior designer, several of my colleagues mentioned that this was the most requested style from their newer clients. I thought there would be more current interiors, referring to a new style. It was more of a historical chronicle of design in Santa Barbara, for exteriors and interiors. It is a nice book, but not exactly what I expected.



4. Im building a santa barbara style house and I was disappointed. Not a lot of details. Sure some pics of some SB mansions but not enough photos or details to actually do anything with this book. I guess if you are into SB history it might be OK, otherwise save yourself the $. You will be done browsing it in about 10 minutes and never use it again.



5. This is an amazing photo essay about the Spanish Architecture of Santa Barbara. I own several books like this and this is my favorite.Casa California: Spanish-Style Houses From Santa Barbara to San Clemente

1 comments about New Bar and Club Design.

1. This book is a classy edition to library of any nightclub industry professional and to anyone who enjoys fine design.
   
   A sequel to "Bar and Club Design", a book I have not had the opportunity to view, this second book is reminiscent of the popular photograph books published with works of famous photographers. It is physically weighted, an unusual, square shape with high quality glossy pages. The book is divided by chapters that categorize the types of bars. Starting with bars, the book leads into restaurant bars, hotel bars, and clubs.
   
   It visually captures fifty of the worlds most beautifully designed bars and clubs with detailed text descriptions that tell a story of their own. There are several floor plans that show the uniqueness of each of these clubs, beyond the photograph. Ryder, the books author, is a journalist from London specializing in lifestyle topics and interior design. This explains why each image in the book appears a true work of art.
   
   Visit Coconclub in Moscow, Russia which is described as a "giant termite mound" by the author and as a "four level biomorphic formation like a mountain peppered with caves, suddenly put inside a building with a an eclectic façade" by its architects. The images that follow are an amazing feat of architecture and artwork weaved together.
   
   See how Hajime in Tokyo, Japan has maximized the appearance of a small square footage area using some illumination and shadowing to create the illusion of a much larger space. Or the 2 million dollar color changing XL club in New York. The ideas, creativity and beauty seems endless.
   
   This is a pleasant read and even more pleasant just to thumb through and enjoy the photographic art that it contains. If you own a bar or club, let it inspire you to make changes and differentiate your bar from others. If you just enjoy the nightlife, know that there are fascinating places you can spend your time.

2 comments about Tuscany Style: Landscapes, Terraces & Houses, Interiors, Details (Icons).

1. I just purchased this book thinking that it was something that it turned out not to be.
   
   I was looking for a book that had the pictures of "Tuscany Style" (It does), but also a book that would come with some sort of instructional descriptions to possibly achieve something similar.
   
   This book is STRICTLY Pictures!
   
   The only places where words are used, are at the begining of the book (Introduction) and near the end of the "Chapters" where the photos are given "Titles" like artwork.
   
   I am not going to give the book 5 stars, as I wish the book description included this information.
   
   I am not going to rank it lower than 4 stars, because it basically covers what the title says "Tuscany Style." To achieve the extra star, required that something extra... Helpful Wording.



2. This is basically a pictorial of the ins and outs of italian lifestyle. I find the rich colors and sense of simplicity coming through the photos to be what I needed for the project I am working on. Lots of small details in these photos make the overall very well worth the search for this book.

3 comments about Lyn Peterson's Real Life Kitchens.

1. Excellent book which covers all the things you need to know. Not just photos although there are many & they are excellent, but also good solid information which you might not think about on your own.



2. This book is like a secret interior designers handbook for all to understand. It answers all questions and gives opinions of the author's own personal style as well as her clients. She projects actual dimensions (such as how much countertop overhang is needed at the kitchen island for a stool) so you know what you are talking about when you meet with the designers that you are going to purchase goods from. I have found this book much more helpful than all the other kitchen books I have combined. Well worth the money.



3. What great timing for me to find this book! I had just begun plans to renovate my kitchen and everything I need to know is in this book! Questions about little details that I knew would trip me up later -- they are all covered. There are so many decisions to be made when renovating a kitchen, it's pretty overwhelming. This book covers all the bases. Nice photos and layout too.

2 comments about Elements of Design: Elegant Wisdom That Works for Every Room in Your Home.

1. The book is filled with practical ideas for highend decorating using the best quality items. The illustrations are excellent and really do help point out the concepts trying to be taught. With time and effort the look can be achieved. I like that it moves us away form the HGTV look of beige and minimalism.



2. WHAT A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT FROM ONE WHO IS SUPPOSE TO BE A GOOD DESIGNER...IT IS OBVIOUS NINA CAMPBELL IS TRYING TO DRUM UP NEW CLIENTS AND BUSINESS WITH AN EYE TOWARDS THAT 60'S AND 70'S "stuff". SHE IS FOLLOWING THE TREND RIGHT AT THE MOMENT HOPING TO CAPITALIZE ON THE RETRO MOVEMENT.....SHE SHOULD STICK TO WHAT SHE IS KNOWN FOR...
   
   THIS BOOK IS NOT A GOOD REFLECTION OF HER TASTE OR ABILITY.........TOO BAD..
   
   I WOULD RECOMMEND TO SAVE YOUR MONEY AND NOT BUY THIS BOOK...IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT GO TO THE LIBRARY OR THE LOCAL BORDERS AND LOOK....

1 comments about XS: Small Structures, Green Architecture.

1. Note carefully the words in the title of this book, 'Small Structures.' In spite of the copy on the back of the book, this is not a book concentrating on small houses. This a book on all kinds of small structures. They may be viewing platforms, a bridge, a pigeon loft, a monument, an emergency shelter made out of an ocean shipping container, a camera obscura, a work of art, or indeed there are a few houses here.
   
   What this book is really trying to do is push the state of the architectural art just as far as it can be pushed. Here are structures that are ecologically responsible, wildly creative and showcase the advanced thinking that the premier architectural firms can do when removed from the restrictions of building yet another McMansion.
   
   As you look at these structures, some give you ideas that you'd really like to try in your next building, some of the others just look weird and don't fit into anything that seems reasonable.
   
   All in all, I found it a stay up late and look at every picture just to see what they might think of next kind of book.

3 comments about The Smart Approach to Home Decorating, 3rd Edition (Smart Approach).

1. For someone who is doing this for the first time, this book is a good place to start.



2. I already own a shelf full of decorating books, but this one ranks in the top three for good organization and good information. It has a lot of smallish color pictures, but more importantly, it has specific measurements and structural information that will help you make rooms and furniture more useful and more attractive. It is very user-friendly. I bought it for my daughter, but I sat down to read it completely before I gave it to her, and I learned some things!



3. I picked up a copy of this book while waiting for an appointment, and found SO many ideas that I had to come home and order it immediately! It is FILLED from cover to cover with wonderful, creative ideas to spruce up your home! The pictures are gorgeous and this is an ALL around perfect book for the person who doesn't know where to start! It shows different room settings, color choices, etc. etc. Buy this book, you won't be disappointed!

5 comments about Vastu: Transcendental Home Design in Harmony with Nature.

1. Finally, I had purchased a few Vastu books to enhance our home as well as to plan designs for a new home in the future. This book answers all the questions in a sensible, practical and logical format.
   There are many resources as well. The photos are beautiful and it seems to put it all together.
   Highly recommended.



2. Sherri Silverman's VASTU book is not only erudite but also practical - and absolutely gorgeous.



3. Vastu: Transcendental Home Design in Harmony with Nature is an exquisite work of art from the front cover to the very end. Extremely informative in conveying ancient knowledge, yet easy to read and understand. A "must have" for those of us seeking to create beauty, balance, and harmony in our everyday life and surroundings.



4. This is a well written book that offers the lay person a great deal of knowledge about Vastu. It is concise and easy to understand and provides tools to create a more harmonious home. Sherri Silverman did a superb job!!!



5. This book is stunningly beautiful! I want to move right into the rooms, homes, and gardens featured in this book. The photographs alone would make this book worth owning. But on top of the great beauty, the book is filled with helpful information on how to improve our homes so we can feel more grounded, serene, and joyful. I have used some feng shui techniques in the past, which is why I was interested in this title. I made a few changes recommended in the book and have experienced an enhanced feeling of well being. The biggest change has been in our bedroom. My husband, who has historically been a poor sleeper, and I changed the direction of our bed. He is now sleeping much better and sometimes even sleeps through the night, rather than waking up 3 or 4 times as he used to. I also moved the extra books out of our bedside table, which makes the bedroom feel more peaceful even though the books could not be seen where they were. Next, I plan to investigate "yantras," which the author recommends for making our homes more sacred and correcting problems that we cannot correct because of the limitations of our homes or budgets. In summary, I highly recommend this book and recommend that you use some of the Vatsu principles. You will definitely feel the benefits!

5 comments about Sunset Ideas for Great Baby Rooms (Ideas for Great).

1. I thought it would have more pictures. I really would like more pictures and less writing.



2. I disagree with some of the other writers, that thought they got better info from a Pottery Barn catalog. All of your nurseries were original and thoughtful and showed great creativity using a host of different elements from many different places, including items they already had. They didn't have "cookie cutter" on any page. Thanks for the inspiration!



3. I was looking for something to give me nursery decorating ideas. This book has pictures, but most are dated. You'd do better looking at the Pottery Barn Kids catalog.



4. Some great ideas and good information. I would have liked them to include some actual tips or instructions on how to do some of what they demonstrated, though they do have a decent "DESIGN CREDITS" section.
   
   One thing I enjoyed was seeing some of the items we had collected on our own, turn up used in different ways than we had planned- that was fun and inspiring!



5. Although this book has many cute ideas, it has a resource guide in the back that gives the website or name of only a fraction of the products. I wanted to be able to find the brand and paint color names used as well as a specific bumper and sheet set in a bedroom that would have gone perfectly in the room I'm designing and none of that information was not listed. Very frustrating. I'll keep looking for a better book.