4 comments about Easy Upholstery.

1. Step by Step? Only if you know how to figure out things in between the spartan instructions and supposed step by step pictures! There isn't enough information for a beginner and nothing new to advance an intermediate. There's SOME good information on fabric types, supplies, etc. and color coordination, but even that is mainly limited to the contemporary "shabby chic" or "French apartment" look.



2. This is the only upholstery book I own - and with it, I have upholstered every piece of furniture in my house! The author has instructions for all of the basics of upholstery while focused on specific projects. She has 4 or 5 types of dining chairs, 4 or 5 types of arm chairs, ottomans, sofas, slipcovers, all kinds of furniture - even headboards! All with great step-by-step color photos.

   No upholstery book is going to have a picture of the couch in your livingroom. This book is designed to be a resource so you can use her directions for the arm on Chair 3 and the back on Sofa 2. This book is not a decorating book. If you want decorating ideas, buy another book. This is a great how-to-book for the basics of upholstery.

   If you are basically handy and have an attitude that 'It can't be that complicated' - you will love this book. I have upholstered 3 couches, 16 diningroom chairs, 5 various styles of armchairs, and 1 tufted fainting couch (82 buttons!) - all from techniques I learned from this book.

   The one thing that the book is missing (and I think 50% of how to upholster) is the motto 'Put it back together the way you took it apart'!




3. This book is beautiful and has good basic information, but after taking a beginner upholstery class, I realized that this book is a bit outdated. While it tells the reader to use a tack hammer and tacks, my teacher showed me how to use a staple gun! Much faster and easier to handle. Also, foam and dacron are much easier than horsehair and some of the materials listed in the book.



4. Good photos, easy to read and understand. I felt it was a primer for how to reupholster. There are a couple of items that could have been clearer, or perhaps a bit more remedial, but if you're just starting out like I am, it's definately worth the price. This book was easier to understand than the how-to video I purchased.

5 comments about Kitty Bartholomew's Decorating Style: A Hands-On Approach to Creating Affordable, Beautiful, and Comfortable Rooms.

1. I have followed Kitty for a number of years and am continuously amazed by her talents and ideas. Though I have not had a chance to read the book cover to cover, am thrilled to have one of her books for reference, as she covers all aspects in need to know decorating.



2. This is a fab book full of great tips, beautiful rooms and commonsense! Absolutely LOVED it !!!Worth every penny!



3. Love Kitty ..... but!
   The book was very disappointing to me. Kitty's sense of style is wonderful, but I felt that this was a textbook, not the normal lovely pictures of decorated rooms that I so enjoy in a decorating book or magazine. Perhaps I have my own sense of style and love looking at pictures with minimal description, finding those little things that really do make something special, rather than literally a how-to-copy-style way of decorating, which is in my mind COPY COPY COPY! Hopefully this book will help that person who needs help putting an idea to work.



4. I love this book. Photos of most of Kitty's special rooms featured on her old TV show. My only complaint is some of the photos are too small. I'd rather see all full page photos.



5. Great book and I love it and love Kitty. Received book is a very timely manner and was totally satisfied.

No comments about Custom Slipcovers Made Easy: Weekend Projects to Dress Up Your Décor.

3 comments about Passion for Detail, A.

1. I have read Charlotte's book, "Creating A Room", and prefer it while re-decorating. "A Passion for Detail" is a "look book" and sometimes a little too precious for the average household. But it is nice escapism



2. Ever heard the phrase "it's all in the details?" Ever wonder just how homes that grace the pages of the best shelter magazines ever get chosen in the first place? What's right, what's wrong, how can I get my home to put on its best face? What style is really me? Former Wall-Streeter Charlotte Moss, now a well published interior decorator, builds a great argument for discovering then developing a personal interior vision. Her stylishly decorated images ooze of self-confidence and clarity of thought. Well chosen fabrics and accessories, complete with understanding and ideas behind their choices reveal insight and a good sense of humor too. Moss notes that everyone has a passion for something, and that these passions are forms of self-expression. Comfort, style, values and personality are telling signals of the quality of lives we lead. In our daily frenzied routines, Moss advocates looking at your own home from a different perspective. The book's mission promises that a more relaxed and confident home will emerge. Mission accomplished!



3. Studying Charlotte Moss' technique is a must for those who are designers and also for those who are developing their own design style. It is foreseeable that not everyone would covet EVERY Moss design, but it is admirable how her philosophy seems to center on a way of living, and showcasing your life, rather than merely decorating.
   
   In her first book, A Passion For Detail, the theme is obviously denoted by the title. The book provides a great introduction and insight into Moss' technique and design style - heavy on the accessories and patterns (some might call it cluttered), but the decor is nonetheless tasteful and very calculated. Moss aims to surround herself, and those for whom she designs, with the things they love. Even if this technique amounts to a lot of "things."
   
   The book is thematic and conveniently divided into five sections, but at times, the chapters themselves are a bit disjointed and the chapter themes, while vaguely associated with the pictures, do not seem very cohesive as the pictures jump around from house to house.
   
   If you are looking for a how-to decorate book, this is not the book for you. Chapter Five briefly touches on Moss' technique, but it is more a study the pictures and learn type of book. You could reproduce the design strategy, but most of Moss' accessories are a bit out of the average price range and the style of decor is a bit impractical for most of us. But, even if you are scared by Moss' designs, this is still an important read for design fanatics, as you can still learn from her technique. The most prevalent lesson from the book is this: design is about style and taste, but it is also about surrounding yourself with the things you love.

5 comments about $500 Room Makeovers.

1. This book is so creative and incredibly inspiring! Lisa Quinn really knows her stuff. She has innovative twists on everyday objects that can suit anyone's style (and you can mix and match between rooms). I especially love the "sexy bedroom" on the cover. What a brilliant idea to screw desk lamps into the wall! I highly recommend this book for people looking for some inexpensive inspiration to brighten up their abode.



2. "Living in a home that doesn't reflect your personal style is like wearing someone else's shoes: They may do the job, but they will never feel right." --Lisa Quinn
   
   I just love this idea. I have been looking for inspiration to make my house more of a home and I have found it in Miss Quinn's book. She is right your home should really be a place that suits you , not just a roof and walls.
   She has so many great ideas to choose from like the pot rack over the bed as a canopy I love that. This book is great for someone who has a fear of interior design, it makes it easy.



3. This was a great book that lived up to its title. All makeovers were indeed under $500 and most had at least a few dollars to spare. We'd be hard pressed to be able to replicate any of the rooms for the same prices however, as Quinn frequently uses Ebay to snag her deals. (This is not a bad thing, just an FYI.) Quinn illustrates many different styles from playful to elegance for many different types of people; baby, child, teen, college, first apartment, empty nesters, parents, retired... everyone is represented. She gives a bit of background on the the people and why they need a change, tells the reader what is good about the room and what is bad about it, tells you how much she spent and shows the before photo next to the after photo. She gives tips on what to be on the look for when trying to replicate the particular style, give tips (with diagrams) on what makes the room work, encourages alternate uses for household items and at the end Quinn gives a brief tutorial on how to do one or two of the projects she did for each room. I enjoyed this book and think others will too.



4. What a great book. I love to redo my rooms for less and this is a book that everyone should have on their shelves.



5. Lisa Quinn offers real life, wonderfully creative ideas and tips for budget challenged decorating in this book. Divided into four categories (dramatic, classic, exotic, children's)with four to six example rooms per category, Quinn provides multiple pages of details and photographs for each room. There are tons of ideas & easy how-to projects here & Quinn's witty approach has you laughing. Although I've read it several times now, I still reference it, not only for budget conscious ideas but also for general inspiration on color schemes & design styles. It's become an unexpected but welcome addition to my all-around decorating library. My only complaint is that it's just not long enough! Quinn's design and writing style are so enjoyable, you want more...hopefully there's a sequel in the works!

5 comments about The Art of Trompe L’oeil Murals.

1. This is a very nice coffee table book, and for a beginning art novice there are some "secrets". But, for artist with general high school level education this is little more than a nice picture book.
   There is no discounting Yves Lanthier's skill or excellent creative ability but the few tips he gives are not for creating the Trompe L'oeil ceilings he exhibits in the book. Rather he shows simple stone / marble technique, a basic wall effect and basic light shading in the last fifteen pages of the book.
   This is not a book the speaks to basic line and eye illusion of ceiling depth which I was looking for.



2. I mistakenly thought this was a Graham Rust book. I don't buy this type of book thinking I will be a grand muralist. I buy them for high-end decoupage images. I rip the book apart and use the images. This book did not meet my needs. I found the images bland. Again, I do not buy these books for the intended purpose so keep this in mind



3. I found this to be a wonderful book and will give it often as gifts.



4. I loved this book and although I would have liked more instruction on painting some of his illusions, I am quite happy with what the author did include. Great photos of his completed works.



5. I ordered this book, hoping to gain insight into the "art of trompe l' oeil" as suggested by the title. Instead I found myself bored with a book full of the same looking gaudy murals and images, with the same drab earthy palettes for each one. The "how to's" and I use that phrase lightly, are nearly nonexistence, except for the last 15 pages - which basically demonstrate the same faux stone relief technique, only using different motifs. I found this very useless! It almost feels as if the "how to's" were an after thought, or thrown in to fill the pages. Purchasing this book, with the understanding of it being a "how to", instructional guide to trompe l'oeil painting - I found it extremely dissapointing! Though the artist's work is OK, there was nothing new revealed here that isn't thoroughly covered in Grahm Rust's marvelous books, which I highly reccomend. Rust is an obvious matured muralist who graciously reveals his inspirations and knowledge on the subject with elegance.

2 comments about A Nantucket Christmas.

1. As a ardent fan of Nantucket "style" and history, I can't be more delighted that the author has compiled a book devoted to the charms of a Nantucket Christmas! The copy and beautiful color photographs share all the beauty and uniqueness of the special holiday season on this "faraway" isle. In addition to sharing the special ambiance that is Nantucket, creative ideas abound in this book for bringing a bit of a Nantucket holiday to your own home. Thank you, Leslie Linsley, for a book I will treasure for many years to come!!



2. This holiday gift book provides readers with insight into celebrating Christmas on Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts. The two centuries old houses look terrific as they are made festive for the Yuletide season. The numerous color photos by Jeffrey Allen enable the reader to see first hand why this is a popular sight during Christmas, almost as much as it is a summer getaway. Author Leslie Linsley provides a warm travelogue as she escorts her readers on a tour of the homes, the ships, the shops, all lit up for the season to be jolly. Ms. Linsley also provides the audience with arts and crafts tips that include designs using greenery, fruits and flowers. Special recipes round out this delightful charmer. Perhaps the only thing missing is the lack of the owners of these delightful homes, shops, and ships as smiling uplifting faces would enhance the insightful descriptions and wonderful photography.
   
   Harriet Klausner

1 comments about Architectural Trim: Ideas, Inspiration and Practical Advice for Adding Wainscoting, Mantels, Built-Ins, Baseboards, Cornices, Castings and Columns to your Home (Home Design Details).

1. I found Nancy Berry's Architectural Hardware such a great design tool that I had to have this book as well. Great series!

3 comments about The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook.

1. Maggy Howarth's COMPLETE PEBBLE MOSAIC HANDBOOK provides a review of pebble mosaics which can be used in gardens, patios and public places. Artists, landscapers, and any with a special interest in the design qualities of these mosaics will find this a beautiful collection which not only provides step-by-step insights, but includes a survey of traditional works by contemporary pebble mosaic artists.



2. Good overview of pebble mosaics with very helpful information on materials and techniques. The book also has good examples of works by professional mosaicists in the field of pebblework.



3. This book contains spectacular photography through-out: both photos that highlight the artistry of finished works and the close-up, clear, work-in-progress photos that highlight techniques for successful projects. Accompanying text is very readable, and contains a wealth of information about pebble mosaics. I bought the book for the photographs, but was also fascinated by the information about the people and communities that came together to create stunning mosaics to enhance public spaces in their towns.

2 comments about Hacienda Style.

1. This book like their other Yucatan books is very nicely put together with beautiful photos and text. However, the overall appearance of the book seems to be a repetition of the same homes, hotels and discussions about the same designers/architects as their other books. I got the impression that the main purpose of this book and all its content was a payback to anyone that the writers (Karen Witynski and Joe P. Carr) owed a favor to. That being hotels that gave them free accommodations, restaurants that gave free meals, architects that gave them free design work for their own properties and furniture dealers that gave them furniture.
   My advice is that if one is looking for design and idea books on Mexico is to search Amazon for alternative books. There are a good assortment to choose from at reasonable prices. If you have a copy of the earlier published Casa Yucatan that book is an adequate collection of the Carr/Witynski publications. Save your money and don't buy this book.



2. I have been to the Yucatan and dream of owning a house there some day. This book transports me back there each time I open it. The photos are beautiful. The writing is interesting. I was excited to order this book and it is now at the top of my coffee table book pile, because it is my favorite to look at.