4 comments about Living In Paris (New Edition) (Living In... Series).

1. The photographs within these covers are gorgeous - it's a perfect souvenir of Paris. In fact, if you buy this, you can think about leaving your camera at home. The text, translated from the French (original title 'Art de Vivre a Paris') is a bit gushy, and you might wonder, as I did, how much has indeed been lost in the reinterpretation. Never mind. Living In Paris has been in and out of print, so when it's available, get it! It's still cheaper than taking 5 rolls of your own shots to the Fotomat. And these are the pictures you'll wish you had taken.



2. I'm surprised the other reviewer only gave this 3 stars. I think the photograghy is sumptuous and the text is quite lovely. These are the spots I remember and go back to in my imagination.



3. I bought this book when it first came out, as a friend was leaving that very day to go to Paris. It kept me going until I was able to make my first visit in 2003. I have made two more visits since then.
   
   I still go back to it and tell friends about it. It is one of the best photographed Paris books that I own. It brings you and your armchair right into the best of it...and allows you to savor the beauty. Voila!!!



4. Beautifully illustrated, this book takes you on a well organised journey through the main districts of Paris but also informs on a differnent asthetic level such as the essential spirit of this city as seen through its architecture and its culture. The grande old history from the baroque and ancient regieme onwards is elegantly sought out with a particularly interesting chapter containing old master craftsmen at their trades and where you might find them. This is a book that you can simiply sit down with and devour in a glutonous way. I found this book, when sitting in one of those well heeled, and gracious bookshops, that sell good coffee and deadly cakes! Long story short - Amazon to the rescue and I am now enjoying the glories of it's pages right from my armchair. For anyone who plans to visit Paris (like myself)and/or anyone who loves things of days gone by, and wants to do so in thier mind.... give this a look. It's cheaper than an airfare and nearly as good.

5 comments about Budget Living Home Cheap Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to Great Decorating.

1. Anyone remember the 1970s magazine, Apartment Living (or was it Apartment Life)? The style and projects in this book remind me of that innovative magazine. I wish the projects had the step-by-step instructions and graphics, but actually they look manageable even without the details.
   The book starts you thinking of offbeat sources of art to make your space special. Think of kid's art, instead of pricey modern art, or spray paint glass vases silver to mimic expensive mercury glass. Iron applique letters onto throw pillows to get a monogrammed effect.
   The book gives examples for rearranging what you have for greater impact. Read the list of common decorating mistakes to get started. I liked the fun touches (a window seat full of vintage sock monkeys) and the liberating free-wheeling decorating that they advocate.
   The projects include turning an ice bucket into a lampshade, painting your own zebra skin rug on vinyl, slipcover your headboard, and making wooden wine crates into storage bins. A particularly striking project turned three hardback books into wall art by folding the pages. This project did include step-by-step instructions.
   Don't mistake this for Shabby Chic. Yes, many of the rooms feature flea market finds, but this is not the gentle pastels and rich touches of that decorating trend. This features bold rooms with an offbeat look.



2. Don't have a subscription to the magazine, but bet I'd like it! Also, I don't mind when magazines publish "best of" compilations of articles to a specific theme -
   it saves me having to go hunt down those particular issues, which I may not have saved anyway!!
   The photos in here are fabulous for examining in detail. Definitely a swell idea book. I found the prices quoted to run the gamut from REALLY low, to what I personally might consider moderately high, but I am more of an "idea gleaner" type girl than an "I want to copy this entire room down to the very tschotkes on the tschelves and not pay a penny more" type girl. And there are so many cool ideas between the pages of Home Cheap Home you'll be inspired and doing the interior design thing yourself as quickly as you can utter the words "Oh yay! Pop Art's still alive"!



3. I've gotten quite a few design books in the past couple of years, and this is one of my favorites. While I wouldn't replicate some of these designs (suitcase as end table? gothic house? blech!!), I thought that the ideas presented in the book are inventive and align with my thrift store/modern aesthetic.
   
   What I like about the book is that presents ideas that use more creativity than money, yet dont't look cheesy/kitschy. And unlike other books that draw from thrift store finds, it doesn't look like some sterile '50s Danish furniture museum. Old stuff is mixed with modern and rustic. It's a look that's attainable and easy to live with.
   
   I don't have the time or energy (or money!) to create a period perfect living environment, yet I want to have something that doesn't look too modern and cookie-cutter. This book I believe strikes the correct balance.



4. This is a terrific book for those of us who are fans of Todd Oldham, Amy Sedaris, and Jonathan Adler- It's like a mixture of their personalities all in a book that shows you how to make affordable, unique items for your home.
   
   Most of the items shown are DIY crafts- for those of us who'd rather MAKE than BUY. Even as an inspirational tool, this book is wonderful for those kinesthetic learners who need visual help... like me. It gave me the inspiration to take my grandmother's old brass/cream colored lamp and spray paint it green- ready to use for another generation! Even afterwards, I took a lampshade for 5$ from IKEA (which is often referenced for cool ideas throughout this book) and I covered it in astroturf and sewed some sunflowers on it for my living room.
   
   Basically, if you want a resource for funky, original ideas on how to make your space more mod, contemporary, or just plain cool, then get this book. It's well worth the price. I'd just recommend it for the crafty people who will actually use it and not just look at it!



5. So glad I found this still available for sale Amazon. I'm still missing the original "Budget Living" magazine, though. Especially in these rough economic times, Budget Living is sorely missed as a resource for the frugal lifestyle.

5 comments about Provencal Escapes: Inspirational Homes In Provence And The Cote D'azur.

1. This magnificant book consists of photographic studies of some 22 homes in the Provence and Cote d'Azur regions of France. These homes are primarily older (as much as 300 years) that have been seriously redecorated to make them into jewels of plesant styling.
   
   For the most part, the redecoration of the homes has been to retain (or return to) the styling of the time they were built. Magnificant old beams show off well with modern appliances and decorations. The traditional outside of the houses hides the modern interiors. The original builders could not have imagined things we take for granted such as electricity that now has been fitted into their houses.
   
   Redoing an old house is easily as expensive as modern construction, so these houses have not been done for cost savings but for other reasons like living in a part of history.
   
   While this book concentrates on this region of France, many of the techniques used in these houses could well be applied to houses in the United States where old houses be they farm or city center can be made into something unique and wonderful.



2. This book oozes with charm! The homes featured in this book are very old and beautifully brought back to life by its owners while respecting the history and integrity of these buildings. The title "Provencal Escapes" is appropriate since this book lets you escape into a dreamy and ancient world of Provence. The photos are gorgeous and you feel that you are actually walking through some of these homes. This book is a must for any fan of Provence or just of beautiful escapes. I highly recommend it!



3. A nice inspiration source for charming, rustic country french design. I wanted more out of the book though - perhaps photos of full rooms rather than vignettes of tables and kitchen counters. It makes it hard to get a sense of design style without a full room effect in my opinion. The book does ooze charm and if you have other books on this style and just want a little extra something this would be ok. If however you really need a good book to learn all about french country style I would not suggest this one.



4. This book has given me many ideas for my own provencal escape in the country and takes me to a place in my mind that makes me feel calm.
   This is a special book.



5. i bought this book a year ago and have probably looked through it 25 times. i subscribe to so many home decor magazines and buy the others at the stores. i have loads of books on this style of decor and am often disappointed when i look at said books and magazines to find they seem all too styled and not lived in. maybe its just me and i love a little old with the new and a little time worn with the shiny....but the rooms in this book look as if people actually live in them and therefore to ME it is the quintessential french country look book. you want to know how these people live?? this is it to be sure.

1 comments about Faux and Decorative Painting (Sunset).

1. Faux and Decorative Painting is a no-nonsense guide to beautifully coloring one's walls with water-based painting and glazing. Full color photographs and step-by-step instructions demonstrate 37 quick and easy latex painting techniques, from simple solid colors to designing petroglyph wall stencils. A superbly enjoyable home improvement resource, as fun to page through as it is to pick out follow project ideas.

3 comments about Island Style: Tropical Dream Houses in Indonesia.

1. This book features many amazing pictures- of exclusive hotels as well as private homes. I was most impressed with the pictures of Amanjiwo- a famed Aman resort - and with Begawan Giri in Bali. This book is also well laid out and well written. Highly recommended for people who are interested in Balinese and tropical architecture and design.



2. I love this book. I've always dreamed of living in Indonesia. This book has many magnificent pictures that makes me more excited in moving there with my family! This is a great book because it exhibits many architectures unique to the balinese culture and would truly be enjoyed by anyone interested in tropical designs. I highly recommend it.



3. This book has delicious, detailed pictures that calmly transports readers into the most wonderful parts of Indonesia. I was looking for a book that would give me design ideas to use and this book delivered those ideas and more. If you're looking for authentic,tropical designs, I think this is one book in which to begin your journey. Get it, sit back and enjoy the absolute beauty it has to offer.

2 comments about The Smart Approach to Country Decorating (Smart Approach).

1. I have owned this book for years, and I continue to hang on to it. It's a fabulous book, well written, with absolutely gorgeous photography of a range of country home interiors. I keep coming back to this book because of the amazing photography. There are photos in here that really stir my imagination and get my creative juices flowing. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed if you love to look at wonderful photographs of wonderfully designed and decotrated country homes and interiors.



2. This is a beautifully illustrated book and is almost like a textbook for country decorating. I found it very helpful and would gladly recommend it to anyone considering country decorating or anyone who is involved in country decorating but who wants some new ideas. A great book for your library.

3 comments about Elements of Design: Elegant Wisdom That Works for Every Room in Your Home.

1. WHAT A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT FROM ONE WHO IS SUPPOSE TO BE A GOOD DESIGNER...IT IS OBVIOUS NINA CAMPBELL IS TRYING TO DRUM UP NEW CLIENTS AND BUSINESS WITH AN EYE TOWARDS THAT 60'S AND 70'S "stuff". SHE IS FOLLOWING THE TREND RIGHT AT THE MOMENT HOPING TO CAPITALIZE ON THE RETRO MOVEMENT.....SHE SHOULD STICK TO WHAT SHE IS KNOWN FOR...
   
   THIS BOOK IS NOT A GOOD REFLECTION OF HER TASTE OR ABILITY.........TOO BAD..
   
   I WOULD RECOMMEND TO SAVE YOUR MONEY AND NOT BUY THIS BOOK...IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT GO TO THE LIBRARY OR THE LOCAL BORDERS AND LOOK....



2. The book is filled with practical ideas for highend decorating using the best quality items. The illustrations are excellent and really do help point out the concepts trying to be taught. With time and effort the look can be achieved. I like that it moves us away form the HGTV look of beige and minimalism.



3. I think the book was way below my expectations and I feel very unhappy for purchasing it!

5 comments about The Big Book of Decorative Painting: How to Paint If You Don't Know How and How to Improve If You Do.

1. This book has it all -- clear introductory information (materials, workspace, etc.), wonderful stroke instructions, projects, patterns, finishes, and much more. Another nice thing is that the projects are "rated" as quick and easy (beginner) to intermediate to advanced for each technique.

   There are lots of color illustrations accompanied by clear, well-written text. The author is very encouraging and upbeat in her writing. This book is such an asset that I am ordering a copy to donate to our local library. It's definitely a must-have!




2. Jackie Shaw does an excellent job of showcasing all that is possible in decorative painting. Her examples of stroke work apply across the board for any kind of painting. But, what makes this book work is the way she breaks down each stroke into its individual parts to show how to form them properly. Along the way she imparts words of encouragment and motivation to get you going!

   She also gives excellent lessons to practice by and keep you stimulated. It is part of the book's progressive learning curve so that as you advance with one part, there is more to learn in the next section as you move from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced.

   I rarely write review of books, but as I pulled out this book once again today to reference, I felt compelled to give Ms. Shaw her props! Thanks Jackie!




3. I have a ceramics business and got tired of plain ol painting and wanted to expand when I found this book. It has taught me so much and my sales are way up! The techniques are explained in precise detail and are easy to follow. It even has practice strokes which I found to be very helpful. There is not a more informative book about painting out there from taking care of your brushes to a beautiful array of advanced technique. This is just a plain wonderful book and I could not say enough good about it!



4. As an artist learning something new I was looking for a basic book explaining all terms and projects showing the author to be truly talented. This is all you need for a complete first course.
   There is some disagreement among the various author/artists about the term " float". Other than that they all seem to agree about basic techniques. Beautiful demos and photos.
   Greatest thing: The author takes you through several projects which you can do on any paper or wood for practice, and then divides these into three levels so that you can achieve the degree of finesse you desire. So practical! Take it from there!



5. I really like Jackie Shaw. She has loads of info on how to paint and I'll keep my copy.She is an artist that I have books of hers that are 20yrs plus old. You'll like her teaching.

5 comments about How to Decorate: The Best of Martha Stewart Living.

1. If you want something really good try the HGTV Before or After. The best is really the Home Decorators Bible. Martha's books are often cut & paste jobs.



2. I really like martha stewart and think she has a great style and ideas so this was a very disappointing purchase as it really brings nothing new and only covers basic things...



3. This is a wonderful book. It is very "Martha", in a nut shell and gives a good overview on how to design all sorts of living spaces. This should be in all book collections as a basic home design resource.



4. In this collection of ideas from Martha's "Living" magazine, nature and serenity is the order of the day.
   
   Her colors choices are serene and are plucked right out of nature...with soothing blues, brilliant greens and soft, sandy tones that contrast with earthy browns..her monochomatic color schemes are a welcome rest for the eye. Her articles on color are well written and the photographs are absolutely beautiful. You achieve a restful home with contrast that pops and sparks not only your interest, but that of the guests who enter your home. Her tips have proved invaluable over time.
   
   This informative and fun book walks you through the art of texture, contrast, accessory and furniture placement as well as lighting. It is a recipe for designing a soothing home that lifts your spirits while remaining practical. Martha is often accused of being impractical, but as any true Martha fan knows, those impracticalities rarely extend over from her entertainment suggestions into her home design.
   
   This book never looses site of the importance of a home being a haven. If primary colors and mish-mashed furniture placement with harsh lighting is your game...pass on this book. If you love a New England, traditional, modern or country flair then this book should be a welcome addition to your decorating collection. Unlike some decorating books, this is a great READ as well as a feast for the eyes.



5. I should have known that decorating "Martha-style" would not be my style. Her passion in finding the "old" at bargain prices and making it "work" for her is not what I call decorating. She loves to re-furbish, re-store and re-model ... I don't. However, my expectations were really dashed after completion of the book and realized there was no valid reason for her publisher to classify it as a decorating book. If you like to read about Martha's homes, her anecdotes and her convoluted names of Martha-labled paint colors, you will enjoy it ... maybe. I've seen and heard it all before.

5 comments about Adding Character with Architectural Details (Better Homes and Gardens).

1. This book is very specific in how to add character, why it works, and specifics on using each detail. Finding older homes in our area is difficult in our price range, but we'll definitely be able to add those delightful touches in a new spec house. Great book.



2. I love homes that have their own unique character and charm. This book provides ideas and suggestions for adding character to your home, even if right now it's only your typical cookie-cutter home. Great photos and inspiration. Well written.



3. I was expecting some really creative and clever ideas. Instead, although nice looking, space saving and custom treatments, mostly I've seen before and are pretty traditional compared to what I had in mind.



4. I am a custom carpenter in metro Detroit, and have a very large library of carpentry / trimwork books that I use for discovering my clients' style and for generating ideas for their homes. This is my 3rd most referenced book in my library. I love this book. It is loaded with great photos of fantastic design ideas. Many such books are loaded with impractical ideas that look great in someone else's home. Not this book. I am constantly drawing design ideas from the pages of this book. I will warn you, though, that this book is geared toward a more casual or contempory style, which is why it is my 3rd most referenced book rather than 1st or 2nd. Most of my customers prefer more tradional and formal architectural details in their homes, so my more formal books get more use. But this book is awesome. If you have an average home, you can still use a lot of the ideas in this book to make it stunning. I would definately recommend this book to anyone that likes clean vibrant details in their home.



5. Already looked through this book several times over. Will surely use some of the ideas in the process of my remodel. The book is visually stunning and has a good mix of contempreary and classic design ideas. "A well-dressed ceiling" project in the back of the book was great. Will recommend this book for all my friends and family.