2 comments about Simple Painted Furniture.

1. Excellant photography. Simple instuctions and good tips. Addresses most paint and design techniques needed. Gives good ideas to create painted furniture with a personal touch. Well done.



2. This book provides all the information you might need to create painted furniture yourself.
   
   I recommend it as concise, interesting with colored pictures and explanations. Good book for the topic.

2 comments about Terrace Design (Designfocus).

1. A true mark of elegant luxury in today's upscale homes that afford a view is the creation of a terrace that opens the living space out into the exterior of the dwelling and thereby creating a direct contact with nature and/or the urban community. Enhanced with more than 140 spectacular photographs of diverse terrace designs ranging from those with or without a roofed enclosure, some with gardens, others with a solarium, Terrace Design offers a visually impressive selection of terraces for homes set in rural, seaside, and urban locations. Wither for simple browsing or for providing concrete ideas for emulation, Terrace Design is a welcome and highly recommended addition to any professional, academic, or community library Architectural Studies reference collection.



2. When i first looked at this book I was attracted by the front cover photograph which looks like the corner of an untra modern house and a terrace overlooking a cliff and ocean. Pretty, but not really applicable to the desert scene where I live.
   
   Looking inside I realized that their definition of terrace is really something like a transitional area, not enclosed in the house, but closely associated with and connecting the house to the outside.
   
   Then I realized that this is an concept about my house that I had been thinking about for some time. A place to sit, talk, relax a bit in the cool of the evening. Kind of like what we used to do on grandmothers porch.
   
   The houses here are broken down into three general categories:
   
   Urban, some of which are more like the little garden areas in back of houses/restaurants in city centers like New York or London.
   
   Countryside, where some striking scenes are shown even with flat farm or desert landscapes. We think of terraces being on the side of a hill with an expansive view. But here are some very interesting ones that are not.
   
   Finally there are Seaside Terraces, where indeed there are some dramatic pictures.
   
   The book certainly gave me some ideas about what I'm going to do in my front yard.

1 comments about Making Cushions and Covers.

1. I really liked this book. Not only does it include great photos of the finished project, it has photos of the sewing steps, not just a lot of text. I've sewn several pillows and shams in the past, but I wanted something that had a variety of choices and pillow options. Sometimes it's difficult to think of creative ideas for pillows and cushions, but there are some in this book that are new. I found the directions easy to follow and the photos help tremendously. There are heart-shaped pillows, pet beds, bean bags, cushions with piping and trim, even chair covers for upholstered chairs, sofas, plastic garden chair and director's chairs.
   
   Definitely recommend

No comments about Textile Style: Decorating with Antique and Exotic Fabrics.

No comments about Paint Handbook.

5 comments about Safari Style.

1. If you loved the interiors depicted in such films as Out of Africa, Queenie, and The English Patient, you'll adore the interior design of Safari Style. Twenty-one interiors are beautifully captured in all their romantic splendor. White walls act as backdrops to the teracotta floors, bamboo or mahogany, red or deep blue cushions, solo hats for the sun, mosquito nets over beds, and panoramic views from windows. The vicarious visitor is welcomed to homes in Mozambique, Kenya, and nineteen other locations. Floors are usually tile with occasional oriental or persian rugs. The views run the gamut of near primitive to exotic Moroccan. If the reader enjoys these details for their home, there are shops that carry pottery, masks, mosquitto netting, solos, bamboo furniture to incorporate into a safari style. Designer Tricia Foley also has a book that inspires this approach to decorating as well. It is British Colonial Style.



2. One side of me recognizes that the younger sons of the Empire without great resources "went out" to Africa where they could live like princes on comparatively little [comparative only for Europeans, of course]. The other side wishes I had enough decadence in me to have lived in Happy Valley. There is no pretense that this is anything other than splendid housing for Europeans, not native Africans, and it is honest about malaria and the like, without mentioning politics. Nonetheless, I am happy to put this on my shelf with more technical works on indigenous African architecture. The work offers splendid structures built of simple materials on simple plans in which I could happily end my days relishing the elegant detail. The rich melange of styles effectively denies any dim notion of East African cultural isolation. Here Arab, Persian and Indian met and married native genius, and biologists know the offspring of heterosis are often ravishing.



3. Safari Style is the quintessential insiders design source for creating African interiors. At over 200 pages, literally every other page has a full page color photo on it! While this book is a feast of exotic interiors, exteriors are featured too, they include a wide array of domiciles: rugged tents to palaces to tree houses, and game camps to very exclusive lodges. In fact, at the back of the book, the author has generously offered up a �Safari Guide,� complete with addresses and phone numbers of many of the books featured sites, for those of you inspired to go to these places!

   Designers will appreciate the clear arrangement and large scope of design possibilities. You will see everything from salvaged heavy teak wood platform beds with misquote netting, baskets and carved masks in very rustic bedroom settings, to contemporary eclectic dining rooms with ever so slight touches of favorite and hard to find African objects strewn within more modern houses. Part of what makes this such a fantastic book is that the �look� you wish you could achieve in your own home are possible; Classical, Stylish, Simple, Eclectic, Exotic, Masculine or Feminine, Rustic, etc. For example - a photo of a patio with a raw timber pergola covered with fucia bougainvillea and a casual wood four person dining area replete with plants, chaise lounge and ethnic lanterns could easily fit into a Southwestern home. Another example of the diversity of style in the ideas found in this book is the Modern Romantic open loft room. Here is where a tanned leather couches gently separate the space between the living and dining areas. Additionally, the Modern Romantic has silver columns with only a little mudcloth wrapped around the bottom, raw wood tables and lighting treatments, bamboo blinds and a large abstract oil on canvas taking up an entire wall in the dining area. This second example could be found in a Manhattan apartment or a swank L.A. house with only subtle nuances to a mixed African style.

   A plethora of native craft objects such as, paintings, carvings, textiles, spears, shields, shells, bowls, and pottery, which make their appearance throughout. I would also like to site that more architectural elements like treatments for roofs, ceilings, walls and floors, balconies, chimneys, sinks and showers, windows, doors, corridors and more are all part of what makes these places so enticing. Natural elements are key � stone and wood, rough woven textiles, baskets, mats, and so on. If you like more eco-friendly living (such as the books Earth to Spirit, or the New Natural House Book both by David Pearson), you must at least look at this Safari Style for reference material. Indian, Asian and Coastal / subtropical blends on the African tradition are perfectly woven into the concept of creating foreign spaces yet comfortably beautiful living arrangements.

   Indeed this book makes no argument that it borrows from the land and native cultures. Black and white photos from the 1920�s accompany historical text exploring the British colonization of south and eastern regions of Africa. Very fortunately, I counted less than ten photos, which depict hunting trophies, animal skins or taxidermy, which I had previously associated with a safari style. I find this refreshing! Don�t be mistaken that Tin Beddow�s book departs from more than an exploration of sites into adventures. Not a single image shown within depicts humans, native or non-native, beyond the introduction. Safari Style does not whatsoever portray, with even the remotest sense of accuracy, how any native African peoples live, their homes or villages. Then again, this subject is hardly broached.

   It is easy to promote this book to the both the novice interior designers and design student, professional interior design firms, architects and possibly contractors, the curious eclectic artist, hermits and meditative spirits, romantics and in general, to travel lifestyle enthusiasts. (Stay away Ralph Laurent platinum card waving wannabes and homogenized Martha Stewart rip-off artists, or you�ll ruin a good thing.)




4. One should not get the idea that the "camps" depicted in SAFARI STYLE have anything to do with the experience of safari. I have stayed in both tent and cabin camps and they were comfortable. They were not, emphatically NOT, anything like these. However, after safari is only a memory and an anticipation, a room decorated with ideas put forth in this volume will help soothe the longing until you can really go back. Whether your goal is to compile your memories in photos, watercolors, or traditional heads and horns a "trophy" room decked out in Safari Style will end up being the most satisfying in the home.



5. The majority of interior photos do show interiors you would find in that area of the world, and they're well-done. I bought this book because of a description stating that it had a lot of "British Colonial" style, and although it has a lot of very plain furtniture and a lot of mosquitoe netting, it does not have the neutral walls and heavy wooden furniture of British Colonial. It definitely does NOT have British Colonial India style, which is regular BColonial w/ splashes of decor found in India.

4 comments about Provence Interiors/Interieurs De Provence (in English).

1. In this rich photographic essay of interiors in Provence, Lovatt-Smith captures the design, style, essence, texture, life and breath of this magical location and its occupant's beautiful interiors.



2. I have never been there, but through samplings such as this treasure of a book, I have seen on print what I most want to see: Provence! This "gift" presents the reader with the best views of interiors that I am aware of. I have combed my library and bookstores for views of Provence for almost forever. This book almost makes me cry, I long to see it so! Until I do, this sumptuous look at this magical region is availble in this outstanding book. I am SO glad I have my copy!



3. This book is a gorgeously photographed journey into the homes of wealthy and/or very stylish residents of Provence. Not a book of typical 'French Country Interiors', it covers a wide range of styles from super modern to 17th century grandeur, from 'to the manor born', to gypsy caravans (stunning). As with all things French I adore the way they so gracefully combine the old and the new. These are for the most part not homes that were 'designed', but instead homes that 'grew' with thier owners over time. This book is one of a series of books by this publisher/editor team and they are all wonderful. I have this one, the book on Indian Interiors, the book on Moroccan Interiors (my favorite) and the one on Tuscan Interiors. Each of these books is pure quality. The photography, the variety of well chosen homes, the layout and design of the books, including paper quality, binding etc. is superb. There isn't one aspect of any of these books, including this one, that is run-of-the-mill or poorly conceived. If you are interested in Provencial style, creative interiors, use of colour and texture, and French Culture, you will adore this book. It is without a doubt the best book on French Interiors that I have found.



4. I've owned this book for years & I return to it regularly. There is something magical about this book. Although most of us will never experience living in a Provence villa, the photography takes you away & it is absoultely wonderful to look at. Every page offers delightful discoveries. This book has it all and is by far my favorite interior design book in my collection.

5 comments about Jamie Drake's New American Glamour.

1. MR. DRAKE MUST BE A FUN PERSON TO KNOW....HIS INTERIORS ARE VERY, VERY COLORFUL AND FUN TO LOOK AT ..I WOULD NOT WANT TO LIVE DAY TO DAY WITH ALL THAT BUT IT'S FUN TO KNOW HIS CLIENTS LIKE TO LIVE THAT WAY....THE COVER OF THE BOOK IS VERY CREATIVE JUST LIKE THE MIND OF MR. DRAKE ...LOOK AT THE BOOK ON A CLOUDY,RAINY DAY AND YOUR SPIRITS WILL BE LIFTED.......



2. The images in Jamie Drake's New American Glamour are fabulous. I have been fortunate enough to be in one of his rooms. I particular like the fact the he included a lot of colored sketches of his ideas for rooms and then we get to see the finished room. This is a fabulous picture book for interior inspirations.



3. This elegant tome beautifully tells us how to think through design in all it's aspects from color to shape, form and texture. It is not only visually stunning, but a very worthwhile read. Love his drawings as inspirations.



4. This is a great book for anyone interested in "glam". Once you read you understand why Jamie is so highly acclaimed. He is not bashful to share his knowledge with those of us who are self taught decorators. I highly recommend this book. The photograph's are awesome.



5. From the cover to the last page there was nothing I didn't love. I was warmly brought into Drake's world by the sweet memoir-like background and explanations given. He is wonderfully specific about what he's included and why. You do not have to be a a fan of the flashy or particularly modern style to appreciate the luster of his look and find elements to emulate in your own home.

5 comments about Elle Decor: The Grand Book of French Style.

1. I have many books on style and decor, but this is by far one of my favorites. I love that it includes many facets of French style, not just the ubiquitous, American stereotype of what "French" looks like. Chapter headings read: "Provincial," "Atlantic," "Provence," and "Eclectic" (my favorite) to name a few. The back of the book is dedicated to showcasing the homes of a few Parisian fashion and interior designers, an addition that I quite enjoyed. If you're looking to redecorate or just love looking, this book is for you!



2. Having several books on French style and French Country style, many showcasing homes in France, this book is a huge disappointment. Few of the rooms are stylish, but rather, well just junky. I was looking forward to another look at French style in France, not just the interpretation of such in America. This is a coffee table book for those who have little design sense.



3. I was somewhat disappointed in this book because I was looking for something that would explain the "French Style" of decorating. This is more a book of the homes of Parisian designers, obviously with a lot of money. The rooms in the book are beautifully photographed and I liked the chapter called "Seven Trends for Today." These included brief text and lots of photographs of the Provincial, Provence, Eclectric, Eccentric, Atlantic, Chalet and 1930-40's style trends. There was a brief description of the style trends, but the photos that followed gave good examples.
   
   The remaining two chapters in this book are: Parisian Fashion Designers at Home and Parisian Interior Designers at Home. The problem with this book is the rooms depicted would require someone to have an unlimited budget and/or access to resources for their furnishings.
   
   This book was not helpful in showing the "regular" person how to achieve the French Style in their own home. Most of the text just describes the exquisite items and creations. For example, "A vase- light has been created from minutely worked Venetian glass, and it dominates the sculpted wrought-iron pediment of a play cabinet which was designed by Gilbert Poillerat" which desribes an elaborate vase with flowers out of glass. There were a few rooms where you could probably implement and adapt to be used within your own home, but the "French Style" depicted in these rooms are based on ALL the elements, from the beautiful custom glasswork to the exquisite fabrics and furnishings.
   
   If you are an interior designer who has clients with unlimited funds or are someone with an unlimited budget, you might find this book useful. For those of us who have to stay within a reasonable budget, this is not the book to learn and implement French Style.
   
   What could have elevated this book above 2 stars would have been more informative text on creating the style and not just descriptions of the products and creators of the items in the photographs.



4. This is a wonderful design resource book. The books shows the homes of some of the design world "greats". It is eclectic and not your run of the mill "pretty" interiors, but offers new directions in ways to think about design.



5. While one might disagree that this is as grand a book as the title states, this reviewer is satisfied that it is indeed a good presentation of interiors in the many styles associated with French design. Here, the history begins with the 1930s, however, and the majority of the examples are from current times, all presumably previously published in ELLE DECOR magazine. But traditional styles are well represented with chic examples such as an office pavillion decorated by Francois-Joseph Graff for Pierre Berge -- a good arguement for working at home. While it is not an instructive book on style as such, careful study of the photos should provide inspiration to all interested in interior design, regardless of budget.

5 comments about Decorative Style: The Most Original and Comprehensive Sourcebook of Styles, Treatments, Techniques.

1. 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!



2. 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.



3. This is overall a good book that has an excellent section on faux painting techniques and a decent section on various periods of decorative style. The pictures can provide plenty of inspiration if you're going for a certain period of "look" but don't know what elements you need to get there. It also has a good description of artists paints and pigments and where they came from. IE, what exactly is burnt sienna?
   
   I would give this book five stars except that a lot of his decorating techniques seem better suited to a theatre set where everything is built from the ground up and it only has to last a few months. I found a lot of his overall decorating suggestions to be ill-suited to my needs, where I already have quite a bit of furniture, want to integrate what I have into an overall "look", and want what I do to last until I decide to take it down or paint it over. There are other books that meet that need, and they make a good complement to this book.
   
   This would not be the only decorating book I'd buy, but is a good part of a collection. This book is worth it for the descriptions of the elements in each style period and the faux finishes section.



4. This was a beautifully photographed book. I'm just not sure why I didn't like it very well. Maybe it was because I did not find much that was useful in a room that I decorate in my home.
   
   The book was somewhat helpful in demonstrating some of the techniques used to get the wall treatment, but maybe I am a simpleton and needed more steps. The rooms also did not have a very realistic look. I did like the wall treatment in the tuscany style room but really didn't like the room. The Greek room was also kind of strange looking to me, maybe because the decor was so "fake" looking.
   
   I was just thankful I checked it out of the library first before spending my hard-earned money. "-)
   
   If you like a VERY themed room, you might like this book, but I think I prefer something a little more subtle and classy that does not SCREAM the theme.



5. The rooms pictured in this book are very dramatic-- some might suggest over dramatic. But if you'd like some drama in your life look here. A Greco-Roman Bathroom with a claw-footed tub. There's a new plaster bas-relief panel that was given some treatment with shellac and lime. I would probably have pulled out books showing the frescoes of Pompeii and gone with some of their less racy scenes.
   
   His French Empire study for some reason reminded me of one of my favorite Nintendo Entertainment System games-- Castlevania. I think it was the imperial purple walls, candelabra and wall scones with lit candles that brought that game to mind.
   
   You definitely need high ceilings and lots of "stuff" laying around to try to copy any of his rooms, but I think the books works better as inspiration and frankly I enjoy looking at the many items in the rooms-- I have the coffee pot, cream, and sugar bowl that goes with the tea pot on the table in the Baushaus Study. It was made in West Germany after the 50's so it's not actually period.
   
   Anyway, fun book.