4 comments about The Complete Photo Guide to Curtains and Draperies: Do-It-Yourself Window Treatments.

1. This book has very complete instructions for many types of window teatments. It is clear and well illustrated with photos. I used it to make inverted-pleat drapes for my guest room, and they turned out great! I was taking a home dec sewing class at the time, and I liked this book better than my required text book.



2. If you can sew, you can make some beautiful drapes using this book aqnd save yourself thousands of dollars. Great book



3. The photos are great. This book gave several great ideas. However, the book is weak on details. It's not really a how-to book.



4. Very detailed & easy to understand, many different types of curtains/drapes & easy to make variations. Enjoyed very much.

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

1. Pictures are very nice and will give you good ideas whether you use painted walls or wallpaper.



2. I bought this book (although I think of it more like a cataloge with just over 100 pgs.& soft cover)in search of unique ideas for painting a baby nursery and I found a few. The book contains several themes and decor as well as useful ideas for furniture in children's and babies rooms alike.



3. 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.



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. 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.

5 comments about French Influences.

1. I place this books among my top favorites in the decorating category (and I own many). Each time I flip through this book I see some new ideas that I didn't notice before. The are many beautiful pictures but the text is fun to read as well. The book helps to give you a feel for the way the French live and feel about their homes. Betty Lou Phillips also wrote French by Design which I also enjoyed, but of the two books French Influences is my favorite.



2. While a little "Dallas" in style. This book captures a mixture of French styles. Betty Lou's books are well illustrated. Most importantly, she lists the sources of the items & fabrics. I find it insulting when designers are secretive regarding sources. Keep it up Betty Lou, I wish more coffee table books on decorative arts & design were like yours. I recommend this if it fits your style.



3. The rest of the book is page after page of heavy, ornate rooms that lack individuality and warmth. The decor is superficially beautiful because all the "signals" of wealth are there: expensive sofas and chairs, brocade curtains, period furniture, "French" bric-a-brac, but ultimately it's a collection of overly-designed showpieces.



4. "Detail is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary." ~Unknown
   
   If you are dreaming of a book filled with rock-crystal chandeliers, Aubusson rugs, exquisite tapestries, feather-filled armchairs, carved armoires, sensuous velvets, leopard prints, silk taffeta curtains and eighteenth-century furnishings, you may fall under the influence of "French Influences." The magnificent picture of a French-inspired kitchen complete with French antiques is enough to make any cook envious.
   
   Betty Lou Phillips work has appeared in Southern Accents, Traditional Home & Bath, Window and Wall, and Decorating as well as many magazine covers. She is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and has a penchant for quotes.
   
   Welcome to the World of French Style:
   
   Making a World of Difference
   The American Way with French Style
   Reflections of Good Taste
   Fluent French
   French Class
   Unmistakably French
   Vive la France!
   Garden Shows
   Designer's Notebook
   
   The pictures in this book are inspirational and the pink dining room is a fantasy princess dream. I was surprised at how much I really did love the vintage chairs covered in playful leopard prints. There are little tidbits of information throughout the book.
   
   Finally, I understand why the rooster is a favorite motif.
   
   I would have love to have dissolved into page 146 and taken a stroll through the row of trees on the winding gravel path leading to the unknown.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



5. The book is written as if the French have a monopoly on good taste. B. Phillips gushes over the French lifestyle to the point of annoyance. I found myself saying, enough already! I got the book because I've travelled to France since I was a kid and now I'd like to decorate my home with French influences. But after reading her book, with its genuflecting and contradictions, I was turned off. An example of contradiction: At one point the book states that the French are not ostentacious and prefer simple, tasteful items in the home. But from the interior pictures of mansions, that hardly seems to be the case. Also, I couldn't see any children being happy in these homes. They look like hotels and museums. The book had one very redeeming quality. The guides outlining "must haves" are very good.

4 comments about Classic English Interiors.

1. Classic English Interiors is a great book depicting the more upper-scale homes/interiors of England. The photos are exceptionally good too. If you are contemplating using English style in your decorating scheme, this is surely a good book of information and photos.



2. Very beautiful book, I enjoy looking at it, lovely (mostly formal) drapery ideas, but for the money, I wish I could have checked it out at the library.



3. A must have reference for any professional or amature decorator. But be warned, if this is your first book by Lady Henrietta you will be hooked and will soon order her entire body of work.



4. A book of grace and perfect taste. A good book to come back to when you need another idea... end tables, curtains, carpets, furniture placement...... lovely ideas...ideas that can work in a small apartment, modest colonial or grand house..... it's the 1 book in my collection of 50 or more interior design books that I would NOT sell... it is my favorite....

3 comments about Big Book of Window Treatments.

1. Apparently, Sunset Publishing Corp. cannot come up with an original idea. This book is a complete rip-off of my book: The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions. Sunset says their book is "The most comprehensive collection of today's window treatment options in various configurations" which is a lie. The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions has 2000 illustrations. For the same amount of money you can get everything in this book, plus a complete historical section (40 pages), yardage schedules for all the treatments, images in both color and black and white, extensive glossaries and much, much more. Why not go to Barnes & Noble or Borders and compare the books? Ninety nine percent of what you find in the book you will find in The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions, and get another ninety-nine percent that is not in this book.
   I am always suspicious of books written or partially written by editorial staff, rather than a real idea by a real author. In other words, the publishing executives see a successful book like The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions (a book that has sold over one million copies over its lifetime) and say to their staff "hey, we need to do a book like that." Sadly, this is exactly what this book is. Most of the information in this book has already been published in various other books; therefore, this book is just putting already published information in a pretty new dress and with a slight change of title



2. I feel compelled to defend this book. I am a home-dec seamstress and constantly on the look for a book for clients to look through. This book has proven invaluable to me. It is very clearly organized, the pictures are clear and there are examples of the basic, traditional styles many of my clients are looking for. Many other books try to show 'fancy' styles that are either impractical, hard to visualize due to the color, or flat out impossible to sew. Many of my clients are overwhelmed by looking through "Encyclopedia of Window Fashions", but not this book.
   
   I highly recommend this book. It is clear, concise, well organized and has great explanations of each window treatment.



3. I ended u p returning this book - it was a repeat of another one I already owned; it's a rendered collection of images not photographs.

2 comments about Dream Windows: Historical Perspectives, Classic Designs, Contemporary Creations.

1. This is a wonderful book, the author assists you with questions to ask yourself, and gives you many options. A book you will use again and again when considering window treatments. I bought another book, 1001 and one ideas for windows, and it didn't compare at all to this book.



2. This is a wonderful book with beautiful photographs! It has many fantastic design ideas for window treatments. This is a must have for any window treatment or design professional. Also, if you are thinking about decorating, this book will give you some great ideas!

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

1. 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!



2. 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!!!



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



5. 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.

5 comments about Colorful Stitchery: 65 Hot Embroidery Projects to Personalize Your Home.

1. Embroidery projects usually focus on clothing, but they can be used to personalize a home, too - as embroiderer Kristin Nicholas demonstrates in COLORFUL STITCHERY: 65 HOT EMBROIDERY PROJECTS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR HOME. From dragonflies on pillows to lap blankets, egg cozies, and more, these colorful embroidery projects lend to gift-giving as much as home embellishment. Each comes with a full-page picture and easy details on fabric choice, notions and stitches.



2. The projects are so well explained in word and picture...hand drawn by he auhor artist: indeed the whole book is a work of art in itself. Every page a gem of color and inspiration and just plain fun! See page 172 for a fabulous project for oneself or a birthday party activity. This book is like a smile: everyone should have one......Claudia Birkeland



3. I must have 7 bookshelves of sewing/stitchery/needlework books and from among those this book rates an A+++. I *love* the "hand" of wool and she offers many ideas, photos, and clear, inspirational guidelines.
   
   I stitch alone, I stitch in several styles, and I often stitch with a 13 year old granddaughter and we both found several ideas we plan to adapt and/or copy. By next Christmas we'll probably have created over 80% of our gifts, all from this book.
   
   The author's writing is gracious and clear and leads me back to reading her words again and again. There's more to this than just "directions" but the directions are terrific as well.....even a 13 year old can attest to that.
   
   HIGHLY recommended!



4. This is a wonderful book! Kristin Nicholas has taken embroidery to a new level with her colors and designs. Her instructions and diagrams are well displayed for even the novice at embroidery. I have been sewing for years and I can't wait to get started. Not your gramma's embroidery for sure. Love this book!



5. I live in a very small apartment so I can't collect books, but this is one I will keep. Easy to follow directions and nice projects. Detailed information on how to make projects that are more complicated like dying fabrics. I received the book and made two projects over the weekend and have plans for a couple of more. This book is inspiring, well written, and COLORFUL! A must have, you won't be disappointed.

5 comments about Home Decorating for Dummies.

1. Good,Solid advice on actually decorating your home instead of fatasizing about the unaffordable and unattainable. I found a lot of helpful information to get me through each stage of a project. I really liked the way the authors wrote...very down-to-earth and freindly, unintimidating and real. I only wish there were loads of pretty pictures too!



2. Like all the "handbook for Dummies" series, this is good, basic, straight forward information for the novice, written in a very friendly, unintimidating style.



3. After checking out many books from the library and pouring over glossy photos of rooms as large as my whole house, I felt more discouraged than inspired. If you can get past the name of this series of books, this particular "Dummy" book has all the same information about interior design as the books that cost three times as much. Get those out of the library and look at the photos for free. There are only a few photos of rooms in this book. It is mostly just the basics of what you need to understand very basic interior design concepts. Is everyone but me living in a house with 12 foot ceilings, rooms that are 400 square feet and windows looking out on the ocean!



4. This book isn't bad at all. I find myself picking it up when I'm trying to watch t.v. It has pretty good details about different things...fabrics, lighting, flooring, walls, etc. As another review stated, 'I wish it had more pictures', and I also wish it were longer. I really don't think it could have had any more detail though. It's well worth the money, no doubt. My next book will be "remodeling for dummies"....



5. This is trash! These two "writers" don't know anything but copying other designers... and they can't even get that right! Don't buy this book unless you want to be truly uninspired.

5 comments about Junk Style.

1. Brilliant & beautiful, lots of nice photographs, plenty of inspiration, etc, etc. Just get it! :)



2. There are a couple of things that could have made Junk Style better and appeal to a broader audience. Most of the pictures are set on a stone or hardwood floors, and I can only think of one that was set on carpet. I'm not a big fan of carpet, but that is what I have to work with in my house and would have liked to have seen what other have done with junk finds in carpeted rooms. I would also like to have seen more pictures with colored walls. The author seems to have a strong bias towards white walls, at times making the rooms seen somewhat lifeless and sterile.

   With the criticism out of the way, I'd also like to say that Junk Style was very inspriational to me. I read through it twice in the first day that I received it. The photos are gorgeous and some of the finds inside are quite worthy of jealousy. I would recommed this to anyone who enjoys spending time at yard sales, flea markets, and other second hand stores.




3. I love this book! As an avid junk collector (much to the humour of my family!) I found this book to become one of my favourites.
   I have read this book so many times- there are just so many inspiring pictures in this book. The book contains many different interiors and all different types of junk style. A great book.



4. I am an antiquer and flea market junkie. This book is OK, but it isn't the best. (I also don't like the word "junk.") The points this book makes about mixing things and repurposing things is better made in Flea Market Decorating, a book which also shows a broader variety of locations types as well as flea markets from around the country. I also like the original American Junk book, but it only shows objects versus nice big photos of real rooms.



5. I bought this used and I'm glad I didn't pay full price. I found nothing new.