1 comments about Decorating Inside and Out (Clever Crafter Series).

1. An easy to use source for projects with many having multiple applications. The instructions are short, though better written and depicted than most I've used.

No comments about Heather Luke's Complete Curtain-Making Course.

5 comments about Trompe L'Oeil: Creating Decorative Illusions With Paint.

1. I just finished several "stone blocks" in my dining room, and I am almost embarrassed to say that I literally squealed with delight at how easy it was and how good it turned out! And I'm not a novice painter; I'm a NON-painter. Roberta Gordon-Smith is one of those gifted people who can teach her subject to anyone...truly. Thank you SO much =)



2. This book could be of no help or inspiration to me for the decoration projects I have which are more "murals" like. The exemples depicted are fun, well detailed and well explained but cover mainly household items on shelves all in the modern folk art tradition. These can look really nice in a home but I have trompe l'oeil windows, arches and blue skies in mind for mine and couldn't find any in there. Number of stars depends on needs... and I need another book.



3. I have been using this book for a while now, and i would like to increase my previous review rating from 3 to 5 stars. I have had a chance to compare this book with other literature and i now realise what a great resource book it is. The instructions are easy to follow and i was able to apply the simple techniques it contains to the more elaborate trompe l'oeils that i wished to attempt - where other materials had led me to beleive that this would be beyond my ability. I have also come to appreciate the short and simple list of material needed for each project making this book a true source of inspiration.



4. This is just a so-so book. It is most helpful for novice painters or total beginners. The projects in the book are relatively basic and they have been "done before" (many, many,many times). Professional and serious decorative painters will find the projects in this book elementary.

   This book was not very useful to me as a professional decorative painter.




5. The book lacks both technical details and inspirations. Contains several basic boreing projects so meticulously drawn line after line as for to be copied. The "trompe l'oeil" title is too ambitious either. Sorry to admit but very like other books offered.

2 comments about 77 Habits of Highly Creative Interior Designers (Interior Design and Architecture).

1. I found the commentary from each designer interesting and occassionally insightful, but this was not the interior designer's resource book its description touts it to be.



2. I was expecting something much more specific and focused from this book. It's not really about 'habits' of designers at all, methinks.
   
   Lynch should really have edited out several of the comments included here - such as: 'Lighting is essential. it is the most versatile tool we have for creating an atmosphere'.
   This is an aphorism, Ms Lynch. Not a habit, not even a suggestion. It tells the reader nothing that s/he can use to improve her/his living space. Which, one may be forgiven for thinking, is the whole point of a book purporting to reveal designers' practices.
   
   Having said this, some designers do make useful suggestions. Example from the same chapter: 'make sure lights are not directly overhead, it creates raccoon eyes. Chandeliers, sconces and lamps ..are sure to make people look good...Of course, a dimmer is a must'. This comment is not a statement of principle (you can't move sideways through this book for the vapid 'be true to/trust yourself' statements); the designer is telling us something she looks out for, a habit I can emulate myself. Lynch should have concentrated on this kind of comment to produce a useful book, rather than just a coffee-table book with some nice pictures and a few good points.
   
   Incidentally, it's obvious that some of the designers quoted are represented throughout the book (in terms of photographs) by one project only, and others by several. Shouldn't there have been some consistency here?

1 comments about Casa Columbiana.

1. This book is filled by spectacular photographs of exceptional houses in Colmbia. It demonstrates the incredible range of architecture suited to the variety of terrains of this beautiful country.

   It is a "must" on the coffee tables for anybody who has lived in Colombia. Any architects or people interested in tropical architecture can find inspiration here.

No comments about Victorian Details.

No comments about Making Curtains & Blinds: Stylish window treatments for every room.

No comments about Spectacular Homes of Greater Philadelphi (Spectacular Homes).

1 comments about 301 Decorating Projects and Ideas (Better Homes & Gardens).

1. This book was presented much like some of the home décor magazines. It shows an entire room, then the projects/ideas are numbered with instructions. There are many quick projects and a few that require some minor carpentry skills. There are ideas for many types of decorating styles, i.e. country, contemporary, retro, modern and a kind of Tuscany/Old World look.
   
   The book address projects in all the major rooms in the house and the chapters are divided by these rooms. The photos are clear and full color and most of the instructions are bulleted text. There are not many photos of step-by-step instructions, but the text does describe how to complete the project.

4 comments about Great Color & Pattern Collection.

1. This is one of the most impressive presentations I've seen of beautifully designed rooms and clearly explained basic design principles. I enjoyed and learned from every minute I spent looking at this book! Especially learned quite a bit about jazzy color combinations. I'm sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next volume. Such a handsome edition. It looks great on my coffee table.



2. Betsy Speert is my very favorite designer. I read EVERY word of this book. It is my Bible! After reading this book, you will know how to layer pattern on pattern. Thank you Betsy!



3. Beautiful book with lots of clever but practical ideas for chosing and combining colors and patterns.



4. I highly recommend this book. This is a must. It's easy to read and looks great on my coffee table. She makes it easy so you can't go wrong. I hope to read more books by this designer.