5 comments about Mexicasa: The Enchanting Inns and Haciendas of Mexico.

1. A book filled with all the colour and magic of Mexico. An excellent representation of the architecture and colour of a vibrant country. Well written and photographed.



2. I can't say enough about the quality of the pictures in this book. Startling and brilliant color. Nice writeups about the inns and haciendas. For anyone traveling to Mexico and looking for unique and historical places to stay, this would be a great book to read before the trip. Highly recommend.



3. You can almost feel the colours and shapes, taste the food and smell the flowers in this lavishly illustrated book on Mexican Haciendas and Hotels. I can see why allot of the people that started these Inns sold everything they had and moved to Mexico to start a new life. This book will be an inspiration to architects and would also make a great coffee table book. Be careful to check the binding when you get it. The glue on mine all fell off in chunks after the first read!



4. This book is good, maybe even great, but still can't compare to Melba Levick and Masako Takahashi's AWESOME "Mexicolor". Masako's other book, "Mexican Tiles" comes close, and still edges out "Mexicasa" a little bit as well, so when all is said and done I think I just have to chalk it up to Masako's EVIDENT love and appreciation for the unfathomable beauty of things Mexican. Melba Levick seems to me to see things more from the outside looking in, and without so much PASSION, kind of like a more disinterested spectator than a participant, but that could just be my opinion.

   That said, this book is is REALLY NICE. I DO really like it and I highly recommend it- especially if you already own and really liked "Mexicolor" and "Mexican Tiles". Or if you aren't so much into artesanias and Mexican interior design, but are more of an armchair traveler or are interested in actual historic hotels and haciendas.




5. What Gina Hyams and Melba Levick have created here is a wonderful compilation of photos of 21 of Mexico's most spectacular and beautiful inns and bed & breakfast places.
   Melba Levick must have had a ball taking these shots. There's hardly a picture that isn't beautiful in its own right - and there must be at least 300 of them. For this observer, the Mexican talent for blending and matching and mixing colors is the highlight of page after page. We see gardens and patios and pool areas and bedroom and dining areas and a host of living spaces where the eye is simply enchanted by the way the owners of these homes have decorated their various spaces. My own personal favorite is, of all things, a bathroom wall composed of talavera tiles where almost no two tiles on the wall match each other.
   All the houses are fully described by Gina Hyams and in most cases she gives us anecdotes and stories about how the various places came about. Thus, for instance, in Hacienda Katanchel in the Yucatan,we read that the present owners discovered the place in 1996. It had been abandoned for 35 years and originally dated back to the 17th century. So what they acquired were 740 acres of dense jungle in which were buried many crumbling buildings with trees growing through walls and ceilings. They gradually cleared the mess away and started building and renovating in a blend of Mexican, Mayan and Spanish styles. And you should see the place now.
   On a less ambitious scale, we read about Mesón Sacristia de la Compañia in Puebla. This began as a family-run antique store which the owners turned into a restaurant and then an inn. It has one extra little twist for people who stay there - everything in the place is for sale. The owners are continually having to replace dishes and furniture.
   And so the stories go... Pick up a copy and give your coffee table a treat.

No comments about New York Interior Design, 1935-1985, Vol. 1: Inventors of Tradition.

4 comments about Inspiring Interiors from Armstrong 1950s.

1. This book has excellent design ideas from the 1950's. Great color usage, storage ideas and showing all types of rooms. Love this book!



2. I've had "Inspiring Interiors" for several years and now give it to friends with 50's design interests.
   
   This book is a collection of interior photos and artist's drawing from Armstong Flooring ads covering 1940's through 50's. Although flooring was originally Armstrong's point of interest in the ads, the reader has a virtual goldmine of Mid Century Modern floor plans, art, lighting and furniture.
   
   Unlike my other other antique/collectable books which focus on individual pieces and their histories, "Inspiring Interiors" gives great resource for pulling all the design points together.
   
   This is undoubtedly one of my favorite and most useful collectables books! The only downside is that furniture/lighting/etc isn't specifically identified but if you have more resource books, it's not a problem.
   
   I used this book almost exclusively for my 1950's vintage kitchen renovation back in 2004. Amazingly, I found my restored 1948 Hotpoint stove on page 18.
   Great book.



3. Initallly I thought this was going to be a book of mid-century furniture. Boy was I ever wrong. If you want to see 50's bad taste here is your chance.



4. What sort of rooms did middle-class America live in during the fifties? Just have a look at the 250 room-set photos in this fascinating book. The advertising folk at Armstrong Tiles had the neat idea of showing the companies product as part of a room set to inspire home owners. These photos were used in their ads in the leading consumer magazines of the period. The photos are sharp, well-lit with no deep shadows, everything had to be visible and they capture the time between mom just cleaning the house and the folks arriving! I find the many kitchen and bathroom shots the most interesting, living in London during the fifties my parents would have loved to have such units and facilities. This book and the companion volume on the sixties, are a wonderful reminder of how we lived in the recent past. Although it does not detract from the photos the typography and presentation are rather bland.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

4 comments about Axel Vervoordt: The Story of a Style.

1. This book is a true classic and a MUST for anyone interested in antiques or interior design. We were very fortunate to first be introduced to Vervoordt at the 1984 Paris Biennale des Antiquaires where his booth, displaying Ming porcelain lost in 1645 in the South China Sea and recently recovered, was the sensation of the Salon. All of that massed blue-and-white in a large booth at the center of the Grand Palais drew lots of attention to the 37-year old Vervoordt and his subsequent success allowed him to restore a magnificent Belgian chateau over the next four years for use as both home and gallery. Much of this book is photographed in his home/gallery chateau.
   
   This book provides a superb overview of his aesthetic, one which can incorporate a huge Anish Kapoor sculpture (perhaps circa 1995) with ancient stone Thai carvings, gorgeous Renaissance bronzes and wonderful European furniture. Think Rose Tarlow on steroids. The photography is excellent, almost all color, many full-page, and the scale of the book is appropriately large.
   
   If the eclecticism of a Cy Twombly (a contemporary abstract painter) displayed in a warm wood interior appropriate for 17th C. Amsterdam sounds intriguing, he may be on your wave length. The array of tasteful objects beautifully presented is a key feature of the book. His collection (all of which is always for sale) will no doubt include some superb items which you have really never looked at before; when you read about the object, you may reconsider. His enthusiasm is contagious.
   
   Those primarily interested in interior design may find his new book "Axel Vervoordt: Timeless Interiors" more interesting because it shows some twenty homes he has done for clients. But if you only want one book on Vervoordt and if you can afford this out-of-print text, I'd go with the Meredith Etherington-Smith volume.



2. Axel Vervoordt is an artist in his own right. A designer and collector of art from all periods of history, he presents here the work of his life's vision - creating spaces where all of the arts from all cultures and timeframes meld into subtle, elegant, harmonious and extraordinarily beautiful spaces.
   
   Vervoordt's keen eye for excellence demonstrates how architectural features of a building/living space are enhanced by a combination of art objects, drawings, paintings, murals, artifacts and bits of nature. The results are page after stunning page of thoughtful, quiet splendor. Mixed with commentary from Vervoordt (with written statements by Meredith Etherington-Smith) and exceptional photography by Laziz Hamani this book goes far beyond the borders of volumes about design. This is a bold and inspiring homage to Style. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, December 05



3. Five stars are not enough! I have savored every word of this gorgeous book. The philosophy of this remarkable man is truly inspiring--his work is very personal, and seeing it and reading about it are a privilege. Anyone interested in interior design, antiques, or art would benefit from owning a copy of this outstanding, intelligent work.



4. Every once in a great while a person enters this world who truly makes a difference. Axel is such a person - generous, brilliant, cultured and admired. He works very hard and has endless passion for life and for the joys of his life. This book is a glimpse into what Axel does, into what he lives for. As you read this book and marvel at what heights of artistry, inspiration, then continue on to Axel's web site, at axel-vervoordt.com. You might even be moved to travel to s'Gravenwezel, northeast of Antwerpen, and visit the world he is building there since the mid 60's. It's a wonderful book about a wonderful person.

4 comments about The Elements of Style: An Encyclopedia of Domestic Architectural Detail.

1. This book is an invaluable resource for restoration work and new construction, where clients want something that 'authentic' to a particular era.



2. This book contains many beautiful pictures, which are key to defining period style furniture adn architecture. The chapters are clearly defined and arranged in a logical, easy to use manner. It is a must for anyone seeking a career in Historical Preservation.



3. i am taking this oppurtunity to let you know that i never recieved this book. i have emailed amazon several times but have heard nothing back, maybe you can help me
   thank you
   
   john robinson



4. Great historical reference book detailing period styles of everything from windows to fireplace mantels. Lots of photos - many of them in color. Also includes useful drawings. I found this book to be EXTREMELY helpful, and I reference it often; worth every penny!

5 comments about Interior Graphic and Design Standards.

1. This book is out-of-date, poorly written, poorly organized, and a complete waste of one's money, time, and effort. The graphics are inconsistent and poorly done, and it is a nightmare trying to make sense of technical information provided by Ms. Reznikoff.
   
   This reference has been eclipsed in light-years by Maryrose McGowan's book "Interior Design Graphic Standards", which is now considered THE reference book of choice and the Gold Standard in its class. Use your money wisely and opt to purchase McGowan's publication instead of this one.



2. This book is a necessary staple for every Interior Designer's book collection



3. I recently purchased this book while taking a Commercial Interior Design course as part of my Interior Design degree. I found the book to be very helpful in many aspects of commercial design and specification. Also, my boss, who is a licensed Interior Designer and has been practicing for about 10 years has a copy of the book that she used while in college; she refers to it as her design reference Bible, haha. Although some of the material (such as codes) may be out of date due to the everchanging laws and standards, overall this book is filled with valuable information. A must-have for all interior designers!



4. A great book for interior designers. Serves as a great refrence. A must add to any library collection!



5. A very informative and usefull book for all designers.

5 comments about Traditional Mexican Style Interiors (Schiffer Design Book).

1. I am very pleased with this book. It is full of beautiful pictures of all rooms of Mexican style homes and their gardens. The verbage defines Mexcian style for each type of room, as well as giving a general overview and samples of paint colors. This book is exactly what I was looking for!



2. What a beautiful book. One of the best I have seen. I live in Mexico and will be using many ideas.



3. Excellent photo's to plan off of. They give ideas to maintain a modern design and still keeep the traditional flow of true Mexican and Spanish feel



4. This is definately a well layed out book, with really nice high quality pictures, my only question is why are at least half of the picture in this book of houses in the United States? Granted they are in the Southwest where there is a obvious Mexican influence, but I refuse to believe the best examples of Mexican interiors are found in Tucson Arizona! And of the interiors in this book most of the ones from Mexico are from San Miguel de Allende, or Guanajuato which are two towns a hour apart from each other. There are extraordinary colonial gems in Zacatecas, Oaxaca, Puebla, México City, ect, ect, that could have easily been included in this book instead of some American's house in the Southwest... I would have liked to have seen a book on Mexican interiors that were 100% Mexican. The book MEXICOLOR, though not entirely consisting of interiors is a far more authentic book.



5. We were looking for ideas for our outside patio area, especially colors, and this book is great for various decors with vibrant colors. You will find yourself looking through it again and again.

5 comments about The Beauty of Straw Bale Homes.

1. If you're looking for a "construction" type book, this is a little lacking in that department. I was much more impressed with other books that the Steens have done.



2. If you want to convert your friends to strawbale... if you are sick of the Three Little Pigs comments... get this book. I did and one of my friends stole it so now I've had to buy it again - that's how good it is! Nearly everyone I show this book to is entranced by one or more of the houses... and many people love LOTS of the buildings. I love this book. It's portable, which is an asset, but mainly it's inspiring... thanks Athena!



3. This book is almost a coffee table book. The photos are beautiful and include everything from small,simplistic homes in Mexico to high-end beauties in California. You won't find much info here but you can get some good ideas for your own home. If you want specific info on building (especially in colder, wetter climates) get "Serious Straw Bale-A Home Construction Guide for All Climates" by Paul Lacinski and Michel Bergeron.



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



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

5 comments about Vintage Vavoom: Romantic Decorating with One-of-a-Kind Finds.

1. Even if you're not wealthy, you can still pick up used treasures, such as the ones shown in this book, and put them together to create a unique and pretty home.
   
   For example: An ancient, chipped flower box is set on an elegant dining table. Pink roses spill out of the flower box to create a really stunning visual statement. Vintage fabrics, many of them lovely with antique lace, can be put together with other fabrics to bring a sense of history to any room.
   
   There are tips on how to flea and how using treasures from your childhood can make your home special.



2. This book is basically for the "beginner decorator" that wishes to decorate in the more "romantic style".
   
   Advanced decorators might find most of the information redundant.
   
   However, if a person is a "beginner" in this area of decorating, then they will find this book very inspiring.
   
   The photos are simply amazing---just as the photos in the magazine ROMANTIC HOMES are.... Colorful, large and bright!
   
   The book begins with an information chapter, explaining the purpose of this book.
   
   Basically, this book is like a mini-workshop because it shows the reader how to put together a "Decorating Journal", in order to organize their decorating style , from start to finish.
   Thus, each Chapter in this book covers an area that is linked to the decorators' journal.
   
   Most advanced decorators (of the romantic style) already know what they like, so this is why I state that this book is mainly for the beginning decorator.
   
   This book is quite expensive, so if you can find this book "on sale", I think it would be worth while, even for the advanced decorator...Why?----Answer: because of the amazing photographs.
   
   I think the photos in this book are what are truly amazing. The information itself, is slightly too basic though.



3. Thank you so much for a wonderful book. I received it as a gift shortly before my wedding. When I went to my florist to check on the centerpieces I was devastated to find the shop suddenly went out of business. I had no idea what to do. My sister came over and together we looked through your fabulous book and were able to put together our own centerpieces using your ideas. This book is the best!!!!



4. Some pretty pictures, but not much else, and all of the pictures started to look the same to me after a while. The writing style is grating: "vavoom" really is kind of a ridiculous word and gets old fast. The advice is the same-old, same-old. I love a pretty book, but I didn't even finish looking through this one. Buy a magazine and use your savings to buy one of those one-of-a-kind treasures. I don't like to be negative, but I also don't like to spend my money on something that's just not that great.



5. Got this book for my birthday, and I love it. Pictures are from the magazine, but they are so wonderful. Text is great, with wonderful ideas for making your home and life Vintage Vavoom.

5 comments about A Room of Her Own: Women's Personal Spaces.

1. This book is an exceptionally good book that I have given as a gift to many of my women friends. It is a book of spiritual and peaceful necessity when claiming a space of one's own. Chris Madden conveys the perfect settings of many women that enable them to communicate, to create, to reflect and to come into one's own being. It is absolutely a delightful and beautiful book.



2. Absolutely fabulous!! A great gift for women



3. How many woman have a room within themself? How wonderful to actually be able to materialize that very room. This book shows the love, peace, energy and spirit of a room by the owner. It
   encouraged me to explore and create my personal space.
   Thank you for a book that sits next to my bed.



4. Wonderful book! A friend of mine loaned me her copy, but I had to go out and buy one for myself. Beautiful photography and inside stories about women who were brave enough to carve out their own space and call it that, "Mine!'. Many women I know would love to find the courage to do this, but don't. We all need a little corner to call our very own. I have one now thanks to Ms. Casson Madden. I'm surrounded by items which inspire and motivate me to do, think, and be my best.



5. This book is lovely and speaks to women everywhere. When the pressures of life build up and we need to feel safe and warm, there is nothing like a space of our own with all our favorite things and colors in it. This book shares ideas and inspiration, from decorating small spaces and outdoor tents (really),to the positive changes that have come about when women honor themselves with their own haven. Buy this book if you are looking for a "deeper" decorating experience. Oh, just buy this book because it's wonderful!