5 comments about Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style.

1. She has the most amazing style. If you appreciate great design, you need this book!



2. I purchased this book for my sister, who is a design student about to graduate in 05/08, because Kelly Wearstler is her favorite designer. My sister already had one of Ms Wearstler's books and loved it so much that when she asked for her newest book I thought it would be a great Christmas gift. However, I didn't realize that the book she already had was Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style. When I gave her the book and she said that it was the one she already had I was very let down, but she did not want to return it. She said the copy she had was so worn out from use that she could never put it on her coffee table and that she loved it so much that she was more than pleased to have a brand new copy. Both my sister and I love Ms Wearstler's bold colorful design style and I was disappointed that her more resent books did not get better customer reviews, which is why I did not order one of them. I have since ordered Domicilium Decoratus anyway, since I was able to get such a good deal thru [...], and I'm looking forward to giving it to my sister for valentines' day.



3. Not only are her featured interiors stunning (as always) but the fab Ms. Wearstler goes the distance with great photography and writing to highlight it to its fullest. Honestly, a real gem and a must-have for any book collection on interiors.



4. The book is really great when it comes to interior decoration. Ms Wearstler definitely has a knack for colour, and I like the creative way she used fresh colours and chic furniture to create new looks.
   
   Beware though. Ms Wearstler seemed to like Asian religious icons in her decoration. I do not think that this gives due respect to our religion. As this is common amongst western interior decorators, this use of objects sacred to others as mere decorative items, Ms Wearstler could be forgiven for this.



5. Amazing and inspiring ideas that lead to a wonderful, eye-catching result! This book broadens the readers horizons and makes them see decoration through a new perspective.
   Has a unique way of combining products and making them look special. Creates atmosphere and style.
   Kelly has an amazing way of thinking that results to these ideas and we thank her 4 sharing it with us...

5 comments about Sew Pretty Homestyle.

1. It seems everyone loves this book and I ordered it based on the cute cover and the great reviews, but on receiving it was very disappointed. True, it is definitely "eye candy" - nice photography, beautiful pastel fabrics (heavy on the pinks), everything displayed in cutesy rooms, like so many pictures I've clipped and saved from Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine for years. Don't get me wrong - I like cutesy!
   
   As a craft book, however, it doesn't seem very meaty to me. While fun to look at, I didn't find that it offered much that I liked enough to bother making ... well, maybe if I had a lot of extra time on my hands, but few of us have that luxury, now! There just doesn't seem to be much new here. Very simple stuffed dogs, cats and bears, and the garden angels with the very skinny arms and legs have been done so many times over. I decided that, for me, the pretty fabrics and combinations of pastel colors, well displayed, were the factors that made this book seem interesting, not the projects themselves.
   
   I guess I must just be at the stage where I want things to be a bit more practical. Although stuffed fabric hearts, strawberries and pears can be darling if made with pretty and expensive fabric, I don't know how long something like that would interest me, just sitting around.
   
   Here are some of the other projects: simple fabric floor mats, slippers, simple table mats, several wall hangings with embroidery, pin cushion, needle case, simple bag for buttons, simple zippered make-up bag, hot water bottle cover, sleeping masks, very simple square chair cushion, fabric tags, boxes and wall pouches.
   
   Also, this is a UK publication, but the work was originally published in Norway. As someone else mentioned, I think there are some translation issues. It just doesn't read well to me and the instructions seem awkward and confusing at times, even though the projects are quite simple.
   
   All that being said, the bamboo-handled bag is cute, would be useful and a breeze to make and the fabric rose is a neat idea and looks nice pinned on the bag or a blue jean jacket. I'd only hoped to get more out of this book. If you love pink, enjoy making cute little stuffed things, or embroidery, you'll probably love this book. I just wanted to warn some of the other jaded old crafters that they might be disappointed.



2. I love everything girly and these sewing projects are cute, girly, and beautiful.
   
   I loved most of the projects, and I look forward to sewing a lot of things from this book.
   
   They also explain things pretty well in the book, I recommend not being a complete novice when trying to use this book, other than that, awesome book, enjoy!



3. After purchasing two books by this author and being totally thrilled, I'd buy anything by the author sight unseen now! The book has such pretty projects to make that would be great for gifts; tote bag, quilt, animals, make-up bags, etc. all done up sweetly.



4. Love this book, it is the perfect book to snuggle up with on the davenport, wrapped in ones favorite quilt & a cup of tea near by.
   Some may consider it a coffee table book, but I enjoyed leisurely turning the pages and dreaming of the things I might someday make. Luv it!



5. This book is full of beautiful pics and projectS that are easy to follow. Can't wait to get started...

5 comments about Apartment Therapy: The Eight-Step Home Cure.

1. Libro muy interesante y de gran ayuda para actualizar la casa y vivir más cómodo y más feliz.



2. The author and his family famously live in a 250-square-foot apartment, and the Apartment Therapy blog often focuses on making the most out of tiny spaces, so I was expecting more of a small-space orientation in the book. Unfortunately, most of the concrete examples given were of people whose spacious 2-bedroom/living/dining apartments had sweeping views of the Hudson River just waiting to be spotlighted. I guess people who live in cramped studios can't afford to hire decorators, but it was a disappointment not to have any examples I could identify with.
   
   That said, the book is more of an introduction to design philosophy than a practical guide, and on that level it succeeds very well. I particularly liked the section on how to choose colors if you are a completely non-visual person.



3. I first started with this book in December of 2007 and have revisited it more times than I can count. I got it from the library and am finally purchasing my own copy because they kept making me bring it back (imagine that!).
   
   While I can understand the other reviewers frustration with its lack of visuals to back up its content, I actually find that refreshing. Instead of showing you other people's spaces, styles and solutions, it walks you through the process of analyzing your own space, defining your own style, and addressing the direct and indirect lifestyle issues that affect how your home actually functions.
   
   Once I was able to recognize and rectify the issues this book helped me identify, it was amazing how things began to come together. It has been a phenomenal springboard for our home in terms of both healthy functioning, and creating a decorative scheme that actually works with who we are.



4. I am extremely pleased with this book. I didn't expect so many checklists, diagrams, illustrations, different ways to analyze and consider your need and style and preferences-- this little book is just PACKED full of good stuff and it's FUN to read-- go figure! The underlying ideas are very reminiscent of old Feng Shui ideas-- that your living space affects your mood and thus your life-- except more practical and without the superstition. I loved the explanation of flow through the apartment, and the easy, step-by-step weekly plans-- because otherwise it would all be too overwhelming. But it's not overwhelming because the author really holds your hand and walks you through the whole process and it's quite enjoyable! Whew, what a relief!



5. The book is both informative and entertaining...
   It is a good read ... Easy to absorb ...
   Definitely suggest one take the time to plan
   ahead before starting to remodel ... even if
   it is on a small scale ... Vince - Wellington, Ks

No comments about Ready-to-Wear Apparel Analysis (3rd Edition).

No comments about Domino: The Book of Decorating: A room-by-room guide to creating a home that makes you happy.

5 comments about Tricia Guild Pattern: Using Pattern to Create Sophisticated, Show-stopping Interiors.

1. This book is absolutely gorgeous, inside and out. Rich and colorful, it's a feast for the eyes! If you design interior spaces or home textiles, this book will be an especially great addition to your collection.



2. You will not want to put this book down! If only I could magically transport myself to one of Tricia Guild's ethereal spaces...I would never want to leave. Opening this book is like taking a journey...it's an adventure in sumptuous fabrics, luscious colors and tactile textiles. Her patterns are romantic yet whimsical, and she masterfully juxtaposes modern and antique elements and motifs with themes of flowers and nature accented with candy colors! This book appeals to feminine sensibilities!



3. Out of all the books from Tricia Guild, this one is her very best, I think! I am a huge fan!!!



4. This book is eye candy offered at a great price! Wonderful photography, colors, and graphics.



5. inspirational and pleasant! an eye candy, a page turner, I could not get enough! Pages filled with interiors variations from vintage cottage to modern with a chock of color. Unexpected combinations of textiles and wall hangings mixed with truly amazing architectural details. the book is the celebration of eclectic style. Almoust every page shows a fantasy home, created with such ease, charm and playfulness - it's contagious.

No comments about French Room, The.

No comments about Liaigre.

5 comments about John Fowler: Prince of Decorators.

1. John Fowler has and will continue to inspire the way I decorate my home...this book is full of lovely illustrations and photos and a very interesting read



2. I was dissapointed with the lack of quality "full page color photos" inside this book. One can not get a sense of the cozy details in Fowler's designs, in the pics represented within. I found the book mostly a biographical story rather than an inspirational journey through Fowler's career. Don't be fooled by the intimacy presented on the cover...once inside you might be surprised by the lack of warmth.



3. Book's pictures are of poor quality and worse still, small in frame. Not worth the asking price.



4. I bought this book as a companion to the one I have on Colefax and Fowler. Have always admired the work of the firm. Enjoyed reading more about John Fowler and the projects he worked on.



5. except perhaps the late Ms. Nancy Lancaster! Mr. John Fowler would not have been who he was if it were not for Ms. Lancaster, period!
   
   Another reviewer said it best: If only our decorators of today can know the histories about such people as these, they would have a better direction of where they're going. This is my opinion of course. Let's forget about the word decorator versus designer. My gosh, real decorators of yesterday are doing the same things that designers are doing today! The term used is just different. Forget all that, and know the history of interiors.
   
   John Fowler was an extremely talented, true creator in every sense of the word. He was good at everything when it came to beauty and function. Nancy knew the right people to uplift him to new heights, and she was a damn good decorator in her own right. These people created rooms; rooms that will never be forgotten. These were creators! Their exquisite taste only accented their natural talent. Henrietta Spencer-Churchill carries on their spirit very well, and I only hope to be as good as they! :)
   
   One can be aristocratic and have poor taste. Money does not give you good taste. Taste comes from within, and has its own solid foundation. This is a great book, and recommend it to every designer student highly.

5 comments about Use What You Have Decorating : Transform Your Home in One Hour With Ten Simple Design Principles -- Using the Space You Have, the Things You Like, the Budget You Choose.

1. ...and yet I only give it 4 stars. Why? Because first of all, there is very little advice that applies beyond the living room, and that's a formal living area - not the family gathering and watching TV area. I would love to see a book of hers that will address other areas in the house.
   
   Beyond that though, I love this book. I'm a down to earth person, always looking for a quick and cheap way to re-do things. This book taught me decorating principles that were easy to put into practice. I like the before and after pics, explanations and the occassional room layouts. After studying this book a few times, it took me less than an hour to re-arrange my living room. It's so much more inviting and comfortable now, that I don't want to leave it! As for color vs. black and white photos, of course I'd prefer color. But I can live with it, because the content is so helpful. I have the older version too that has a middle insert of color photos as well.
   
   This book will be helpful if you already have a house of furniture or maybe suffer from TMS syndrome (too much stuff) and if you enjoy being creative with what you have. If not, then this book will probably frustrate you.



2. This is a good book for people who have no experience or formal training with decorating. I found the top 10 tips for avoiding design disaster to be helpful and easy to understand. The pictures in the book are very outdated, but made me feel like I might have a fighting chance with my own space.



3. I am a professional interior designer and I found this book great because it provides great information in a easy to read format. I read more than half the book in one evening. Some people have stated that even though they love the book they wished it was in color. I love the book in black and white because the emphasis really is on the placement and not so much the color. I find that when items are related in color it is easy for the eye to make the "connection" and ignore the real placement of the items. When the pictures are in black and white, it forces the eye to look at where and how the items are placed. This is a great book and I would recommend it to the novice, lay person, or professional designer/decorator looking to add an additional service that they can offer their clients. I give it two thumbs up!



4. I give the book a 4 star rating. Would have been good if we had some colour photos and show some living rooms that do not have the fire place a the focal point of the room but some other feature. Also how do you decorate a room with steep dormer features, that create angles. I like Lauri's books though I have Home Therapy.



5. Laurie Ward has hit on a great idea here - redecorating with your own stuff. And she does give some great advice in this book about creating a conversation area situated around a focal point, and about how high to hang art. I have been "tweaking" my house ever since I read the book and for the most part her suggestions are very helpful. I also enjoyed the "before" and "after" photos of real peoples' homes. But a couple things bothered me about this book. The first two-thirds of the book are basically paraphrased repetitions of this idea: create a U-shaped conversation area around a focal point. By the fifth or sixth example, you're thinking "gee, I wonder what genius furniture arrangement she'll come up with this time...SURPRISE! U-shaped conversation area!" She gives only a little information on how to re-arrange a dining room, bedroom, bathroom, or ANY OTHER room in the house (and what about those of us with open floor plans? throw me a bone here!), and what few suggestions she does give seem to have been added as an afterthought. The other thing I did not like is a matter of taste more than anything else: I thought some of her advice was a bit old-school (and not in a good way), in particular her advice about how to arrange and group art and other decorative objects (i.e., "don't mix media"), but also her advice against using fridge magnets and patterned paper towels comes off as a bit snobby. However, overall I do recommend the book if you need some help rearranging your living room.