1 comments about Design Ideas for Bathrooms (Design Ideas).

1. I really liked this book. It has many design ideas and great instructions. The pictures make it nice to see the finished project. I would recommend this book.

5 comments about Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.

1. Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, by Norma Lehmeier Hartie, is an indispensable reference book for anyone who cares about their health and well being and for the future of the planet.
   
   Hartie concisely covers a wide range of subjects and includes a comprehensive listing of advisory organizations, product and service resources. Part I of the book, "Banish the Ugly from Your Life," is a blueprint for green, sustainable living. Discover how to replace toxic and unsustainable products from household cleaners to food (including recipes) to furniture to personal care products with safe, eco-friendly ones. Hartie is the tough but motivational Life Coach in her approach to cleaning, removing clutter and on organizing the home or office.
   
   Part II, "Bring in the Beautiful to Create a Harmonious Environment and Self," includes a chapter on Earth-based spirituality and a fascinating look at the Four Elements (Earth, Fire, Air and Water) and the Medicine Wheel. The core of Hartie's philosophy blossoms in Chapter Seven, "Applying Harmonious Adjustments(tm): Using Feng Shui and Other Techniques for Powerful Results." Unlike other Feng Shui authors, Hartie has experience as a designer and her skills are apparent in this chapter and the following two. She has combined principles of Feng Shui, the Four Elements, color, energy, Vastu, creative visualization, and good design principles that create a unique and eclectic approach to home decorating. Finally, Hartie provides guidance on how to manifest personal or professional desires.
   
   In Part III, "Putting the Pieces Together," Hartie skillfully integrates the many subjects of the book into a unified and cohesive whole.
   
   At its cover price of $19.95, Harmonious Environment is a value alone for the comprehensive green living product suppliers in the Resources section.
   
   What makes this book so truly ambitious, however, is what lies beneath the surface. In a sense, this book is only marginally about decorating ones home per se; it is a tome about personal transformation and about saving the earth. A theme that runs throughout the book is that all beings on earth are interconnected energetically. It is empowering to read that each person has the ability to manipulate their homes and self to both raise the collective energy and to manifest their own desires. Motivational, enlightening and well organized, Harmonious Environment is one remarkable book.



2. This is a great book for both the beginner and those working on clearing their environment. A very interesting read.



3. This book has a little bit of everything - feng shui, zodiac signs, dowsing, recipes, and organizational tips. It's so full of information it can be a little overwhelming, but she does organize the book very well. I enjoyed the food recipes and the recipes for natural cleaning solutions. The author also states that dogs prefer positive energy and that cats prefer negative energy, which I have long suspected.
   
   The book has too much of a mystical hoopla vibe for me, though. I stopped when she got to the section about the negative effects of tampons on my spiritual energy or whatever.



4. The most impressive aspect of Harmonious Environment is the cover of the book. I found the information to be very basic, idealistic, or common sense. If someone has lived in total chaos and now wants to morph into harmony, this is the book for you! If, however, you're already seeking harmony in your home, I would not recommend this book to you. Harmonious Environment is a primer and only for beginners.



5. As a professional eco-friendly interior designer, I find Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier Hartie to be an indispensable tool for my work.
   
   This book started the "green part" of my career. The sections on green living and green products for the home, along with the hundreds of resources, taught me everything I need to know--and where to purchase--green products for the home. There is also a chapter on organic and healthy food and eco-friendly personal care products and on cleaning supplies.
   
   I utilize the tips on organizing and de-cluttering for my clients, too. (For those clients that simply can't get rid of stuff or organize, I give them the book as a gift! It works!)
   
   The sections on Feng Shui are fantastic. Hartie makes difficult concepts easy to understand and execute. I also appreciate the fact that she takes Feng Shui into the 21st century and advises based on Western culture what makes sense. Superstitions based on eastern culture from 1000's of years ago are replaced with down-to-earth and timely advice.
   
   As an interior designer, color is a big part of my job. Hartie incorporates the psychology of color into decorating and this works really well. For example, cool colors like purples and blues work best in rooms that need quiet--like bedrooms--because they will decrease your blood pressure and allow you to rest.
   
   The book has tons of information, but it is easily understood and includes a good index for future reference.
   
   Harmonious Environment is a must-have!

4 comments about The Cottage Book: Living Simple and Easy.

1. Reading The Cottage Book is a vacation in and of itself. Tons of windowsill sunlight, fresh indigenous flowers, classic patchwork bed quilts, exposed cupboards textured with china patterns from generations past and present, a perfectly positioned telescope, clothes line dried in the fresh air, vintage tablecloths draped over a table offering ice tea and croissants, and porches inviting us to spend a leisurely day enjoying the outdoors--all these things remind us that every cottage has a story worth living! Each cottage in this book is presented as unpretentious and practical, yet bright and beautiful, highlighting the simplicity, comfort, humor, and traditions found there. Particularly unique is the author's note of vibrant color introduced in each cottage room, either through unique fabrics or pieces or furniture. The book demonstrates clearly that the colors around us can have a powerful effect on our feelings and even outlook on life. A touch of vibrant color should be a basic element of any cottage home.



2. Fresh and "reader friendly".

   The varied cottages presented by Carol Bass have soul and depth of character. And, they have a usefulness, charm and vitality that makes you want to re-create those kinds of spaces for yourself.

   What does the American cottage, camp or bungalow tell us about what we add to our life when we have a little time to get-a-way? This book gave me a chance to peek into special homes that show a sense of multiple generations beautifully layered into one place at one time.

   What feels very timely today is the bold use of color and the variety of different styles and materials to make a place personal.

   The book is useful in creating a meaningful home.




3. Not so much a how-to book as it is a collection of homes to aspire to, The Cottage Book: Living Simple and Easy's combining of photographic examples and Carol Bass' prose transport the reader right into the cottages and their surroundings, with experiences beyond the visual alone. This is escapism at its asthetic best, a vacation-in-a-book. The title of the book is perfect, as are many of the featured rooms. Highly recommended for those who long to be close to nature and in touch with the past, with beauty all around as well. This is simply the best decorating book I've ever experienced. Inspirational!



4. I finished this book in a day. I found it easy to read and very inspiring. Just looking at the pictures gave me ideas about how I'd like my home to eventually look. Not a how-to or a book offering advice - it's a book to relax with, enjoy reading and use as inspiration!

3 comments about Interior Design Portable Handbook : First-Step Rules of Thumb for Interior Architecutre.

1. You ca learn a lot from this book I'm a interior design student and this book it's been very helpful.



2. The handbook provides great information for any drafting classes and more information that you can use out in the field of Design



3. This book is a required textbook for a drafting class I am taking. It is a reference book Designers will always need, therefore, I wanted it new. It was $12 below retail cost at Amazon. It arrived in perfect condition within 2 days of ordering it. I was very happy with this purchase.

5 comments about The Beverly Hills Organizer's Home Organizing Bible: A Pro's Answers to Your Organizing Prayers.

1. This book was what I was looking for; it gave me ideas on how to create storage areas. I knew how to declutter etc. I just needed ideas on how to make the most of the storage areas that I already have. (Closets etc) Excellent Book



2. I first checked out the library copy of this book to make sure it would fill my needs, and now I'm going to buy it. This book is filled with helpful pictures and clear instructions on what containers/drawer organizers/wire-coated shelving, etc., to buy. Linda Coopersmith explains how to measure each storage space to buy the correct size containers. She even has a chapter on how to set up a home-filing system, and exactly what you can eliminate if your paper trail is too long! She also references several inexpensive sources (i.e. Lowe's, Wal Mart, K-Mart, Linens & Things, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc.) in order to make the most of your storage space. I love the clear, concise numbered format she uses to show us how to organize our homes. This is one book I will reference over and over! However, I have to admit that Linda does not talk about decluttering for those people who consider themselves packrats. Decluttering is a necessary first step for packrats. A good beginning book for this stage of organization would be "Flylady" by Marla Cilley.



3. THIS IS REALLY A BOOK THAT ANYBODY CAN LEARN SOMETHING FROM. Linda Koopersmith knows what she is taliking about, and I love how she shows a normal person with a normal wardrobe how to fold and organize anything! Her tips about creating space in your home can be used and understood by normal people, in other words, she does not make you feel like an idiot. She impressed me on Clean House, but I am even more impressed now that I have her book! This book is a super buy for anybody who hates clutter, and who loves to know where everything in their home is!



4. 
   Thank you Linda: I have looked at organization in a whole new way. Thanks for the pictures and the step-by-step guides.
   
   I hope you plan on doing another book soon.



5. This book is a veritable goldmine of clear, practical, and actually doable suggestions for getting things organized just about everywhere in your home and office. As we plan to move into a smaller home, Linda's common sense suggestions and helpful photos have made us think of things that we had never considered before. Her listings of resources are a real asset. With Linda's help, I believe our dream of having an organized yet comfortable smaller space will become a reality.

5 comments about House Colors.

1. This book is destined to be a classic for professionals and novices alike. Rather than another "pretty" book to ad to the shelf, it is an extensive resource that can be used for years. If you've ever chosen a paint color only to have to change it several times, this will save your sanity and money. Susan is a professional who does the work for you. The resource section in the back of the book is amazing. If you want your house to be the one other's drive by and admire, buy this book. Bravo!



2. This book will be very useful to laymen and professionals for use in selection of exterior colors and materials for new houses, remodelings, and even when the house is getting re-painted.
   
   Laymen, when re-doing their own house to whatever degree, would love the book because Ms. Hershman clearly and simply explains her points by use of examples (in beautiful photography) as well as the written word. For professionals, the book offers a collection of images and ideas that can presented to their clients so that they can understand that color is not a "paint job". Rather, exterior color is really an integrated system of materials and colors--and that system can range for the very simple to the very complex.
   
   This book would be wonderful addition to anyone's library.



3. Design can be exclusive and this book breaks those rules by sharing the hard earned house color information from nearly 200 homeowners. I have selected an array of homes from many style of architecture to help the reader to hone in on colors that would work for their style of house. It's a must have for every homeowner everywhere. Exterior color is the most difficult color to achieve for anyone. This book is a priceless resource with information that isn't usually shared with the public and that's why I did it. Let's see great color everywhere! Enjoy!!!



4. This is the best reference I have ever seen for exterior colors. The pictures are of real houses, not staged for photography and the book gives you the paint brands and numbers of the colors used on each house. Very very helpful. I found colors to paint my home I would have never thought to consider and I am a decorator. Thank you Susan!



5. This book by Susan Hershman has been invaluable in many ways. Since we live in a Victorian City, the book is a way to show off ours and other similar cities. We use Susan's book for ideas and suggestions for our neighbors when they are improving their homes. Visually, House Colors is so stunning that it is now our number one cocktail table book. We can't imagine anyone undertaking a project involving painting without utilizing House Colors.

5 comments about Swedish Interiors.

1. This book is truly inspiring. Before reading Swedish Interiors I associated the concept of Swedish design with either the washed-out dull colors of bygone years or the garish modern patterns of Ikea. Rhonda and Edie's book has shown me that the Swedes can wield a full color palette with grace and elegance. The best part is that all the intriguing design concepts of the Swedes are illustrated by American homes. Anyone will be able to draw inspiration form this book and apply it to their own dwellings.



2. This is a monumental book for both the general public with an interest in the nuances associated with interior design and the seasoned interior design professional who is seeking a guide book to Swedish style. Not only are you rewarded with lush pictography throughout the book but the corresponding discourse is informative and inspiring on numerous levels. This book will take pride of place within my expansive collection and I am sure that I will be referring to it for years to come



3. 
   In my opinion, this is the best book that I have found on the SWEDISH STYLE of home decorating.
   
   This is a large hardback book, with wonderful photos of homes decorated in the "modern" Swedish style.
   
   If you love the Swedish style decorating, then you will refer to this book quite often---as I have.



4. This book has the most beautiful pictures of all kinds of Swedish furniture. Lots of information but most importantly fabulous pictures so you can see how it was used and in what settings. Great if you are adding a few pieces or a lot of pieces to your home. Great resourse for Designers also.



5. I was very delighted with this book. The pictures are very fine quality and I was especially excited with the references and pictures of the 10 Chimneys property. I recently visited that property and one could not take pictures of the interiors so this book is a great reference. I only wish there would have been pictures of the master bedroom in the guest house that Alfred had made for his new bride.

5 comments about Country Living Cottage Style (Country Living).

1. I really like this book. I enjoy looking at it over and over. There are a few homes pictured that aren't my taste ( red plaid wallpaper, etc.) but most are lovely.



2. This is a really gorgeous book. I love it! There are many different styles represented here but always faithful to the idea (which I hold), that cottage homes should be cozy and informal, a place to relax by a fire, sip cocoa, and read a good book. These are such homes. The cottages are uniformly charming and with emphasis on light, airy rooms. I like that. The photography is also beautifully done. A great choice for anyone who loves the small cottage lifestyle.



3. This is a beautiful book, full of good ideas that I am anxious to try.



4. If you like this decorating style, this book wont disapoint you. Full of pictures of quite normal homes - not the grand and luxurius ones. Good ideas and detail pictures.



5. I love just about everything in this book, though I will admit there are a few pictures I'm just not loving the colors they used in the rooms. But, what I do like in this book very much outweighs the rooms I don't love. I very much recommend this book, because when they get it right, they really get it right. It is full of lots of pictures of beautiful rooms and only a few that are so so.

5 comments about Window Treatments Idea Book (Taunton Home Idea Books).

1. This book is full of ideas and great tips for time-saving steps when creating your new window treatments. Spectacular photography accompanies the brilliant ideas.



2. I am an aspiring interior decorator who has bought tons of window treatment idea books as well as countless magazines for window treatment inspiration. This book now ranks #1 among all my resources for design ideas! The pictures are gorgeous, the styles are numerous and the bonus is that not only do the pictures show great window treatment ideas, but the rooms themselves are equally stunning, giving lots of decorating ideas as well. And while this is not a how-to book, it does help you decide what type of treatmens are best for your particular window type. It also helps you decide, for example, how many pleats you should plan for a pleated valance based on your window size. The only caveat I would give is that it includes mostly traditional decor, including traditional window treatments. There are few examples of more modern, clean-lined treatments. But as my style runs mostly to traditional anyway, this does not bother me. Again, a great resource for design ideas for yourself and for your clients!



3. This book was very helpful in getting some fresh ideas for our house.
   Great photographs, numerous selections. If you just need to see some great curtains, this is a book for you. It will not provide you with the instructions on how to make them.



4. This is a great book for ideas on window treatments even for the most difficult window openings. I particularly like the treatments for arched windows.



5. this is a good book. the photos in there gave me a lot of ideas. It's much better to look at photos as opposed to diagrams.

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...