1 comments about Paper Shade Book: Simple Techniques for Making Lamp Shades.

1. This is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to make impressive looking lampshades without spending a fortune. With styles ranging from classic to modern, elegant to wacky, they are exciting and fun to make, and much more interesting than store-bought.

   The book starts out covering all the basics such as fixture selection, measuring, and gluing. Choosing paper and creating surface effects along with crafting & trimming a basic shade are also included. Each shade design includes a complete materials list and step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions accompanied by helpful photos. A large picture of the finished project is also included.

   Over 20 projects cover a variety of shapes such as square, conical, and fluted. They also use a wide range of materials including vellum, twisted craft paper, unryu paper, and papyrus. Most of the materials are easy to find. Some of my favorite projects include a double-decker marbled lampshade, basket weave shade, Japanese lantern and musical script coolie.

   In the back there are templates with exact enlargement requirements for all the shades. A nice list of suppliers is also included. This would make a very nice housewarming gift for someone into crafts.

5 comments about Secrets of French Design.

1. I didn't care for the book. Not enough pictures. More for the advanced decorator who wants the fine details in writing rather than pictures. I'm more of a 'visual' person rather than literal so I need pictures. You may find it 'just what you need". Not for me.



2. Great coffee table book; A quick read for decorators who are new to French design.



3. Photos of over decorated sterile rooms. Source list is only decorators. Not helpful to the average person who does his/her own designing. Much better books available with the "real secrets".



4. This book is strictly a representation of a Texan's uneducated and "nouveau riche" view of the basic elements of French design rather than a true representation of French design and the many centuries of refinement that are reflected in myriad French design elements. This book -- and, for that matter, the whole series of Ms. Phillip's "design" books -- relies on the gullibility of the nouveau rich masses to whom they apparently represent the quintessence of "good taste." Better to look to some of Linda Dannenberg and Guy Bouchet's handsome photographic imagery of the "real thing" if you're searching for some true insights into what elements are integral to the often understated but always correct esthetics of French design.



5. I'm looking to inform myself with French culture and design techniques. Betty's books are a glimpse into French life and its various regions. This book deals primarily with design tastes throughout Provence, Paris, etc. An easy read.

3 comments about Country Living Easy Transformations: Bathrooms (Easy Transformations).

1. Just a pretty book to look at. How many people actually have lofty ceilings with space for a crystal chandelier or even room for a built-in bookcase in their bathroom? Give me a break. These were nothing more than fantasy bathrooms in a coffee table book.



2. I love this book and got some great ideas when I decided to remodel two bathrooms this summer. I love the tranquil blue colors against white. Take a look.



3. I needed to re-do my small master bathroom in my new home that hadn't been updated since the 1960s. I live in a coastal village in New England and I love the classic, traditional home look.
   
   This book was so valuable in helping me to make color and design decisions. I was able to take ideas from almost all of the bathrooms showcased in the book. Each of the photos and sparse but information-rich, bulleted text will demonstrate how to make a bathroom warm, cosy, bright, roomy and as efficient as possible given space and budgetary restrictions.
   
   They showed tile and even wood floors as a viable option, marble tiling, wainscoting, gorgeous fixtures, a variety of sinks, vanities and wall colors.
   
   Yes, the rooms were definitely styled for the shoot and the photos are gorgeous, but there is really very little that could be considered over the top (yes, except for the chandelier and built-in bookcase that appear on the bathroom of the cover of the book).
   
   Just take the time and look through the rest of the book and you will have some beautiful ideas for your bathroom remodel!
   
   PS: I started out with the former homeowner's choice of gray laminate flooring, pink walls, and matching bronze/brown toilet, shower and sink (believe me, I asked myself "WHY??" too).
   I now have pale green walls, ivory bead-boarded wainscoting, dark cherry floors (triple-sealed for protection), and cream porcelain accessories (bronze be gone!)
   I was wandering the aisles of Home Depot aimlessly having a hard time coming up with a cohesive design until I found this book. I am so happy with my results!

5 comments about Color Solutions (Better Homes and Gardens Books).

1. This book doesn't look any different than any BH&G magazine out on the newsstand - and maybe it's the same thing just tweeked a bit. Lot's of pictures, but sadly this book offers few new or fresh ideas. Save your pennies, friends!



2. I'm very pleased with this book. I wanted something that would help me figure out what colors to use, whether or not to paint the molding, and how to make one room flow with another. This book addressed all of those issues and more! I am very pleased with the layout and how the book is set up as a Q&A format. I would highly recommend this book.



3. I thought this book was very helpful, but it IS one that you will need to read to get the full scope of information. Even though the picture captions give some information, the real tips are in the text. It is a good complement to the BH&G book "Color Schemes."
   
   This book addresses color by taking some common questions and providing solutions for addressing the problem. For example, "I Can't Change My Carpet, What Should I Do?, " provides several options using text and photographs of the solutions. There is a photo of a room w/blue carpet and Option 2 states to shift the color scheme in a new direction. They decorated the room with a taupe wall color and pulled in accessories that complement the blue carpet. It looks good.
   
   I generally like decorating books where you don't have to read a lot and can get an idea just by looking at pictures. You CAN do that with this book, BUT you will miss a lot of good information and tips in the text.
   
   If you are looking for books with various color palettes, I recommend "Color Schemes"; if you want a book that helps you solve some color dilemma's you might want to give this one a try. I think both books are great additions to a decorating library.



4. I like the overall organization of the book. It's a unique approach from other color books I have. It addresses the most common questions many of us have about color and then answers them, providing several options for each question. Great photos and explanations.



5. I liked this book & although it had some info that is already in print in some of BH&G other publications...what sets this book apart is the format.
   
   Some of Vicki Ingham's other books have also been very good so keep your eye out for her name.
   
   Positives....covered some great questions such as... Coordinating brick & it's various color combinations with the rest of the decor...
   Ceiling color....another good question rarely discussed in enough detail... Dealing with different colors of wood...there's one you don't hear much about... & wow....even discussed seasonal changes & how do adapt color for that.... Kudos for covering these important...much neglected topics.
   
   Here's what I thought was missing... More in depth coverage on how lighting affects & changes colors. There should have definitely been some discussion on how/when/where to choose paint colors, finishes etc.
   Also sorely missing is some color help in dealing with specific style of homes, or period/heritage homes...etc. that would have been icing on the cake.
   
   Overall I still give the book 4 stars....has some very useful info & found it to be helpful in many ways....my only caveat is that the book wasn't longer & even more detailed than it is.

5 comments about Zen Interiors.

1. The serenity of form and function are clearly brought together in this tranquil volume by designer Vinny Lee.

   With the Zen perspective that one's possessions are burdens, the book manages to create inviting, peaceful living spaces uncluttered by frou-frou and bric-a-brac.

   A great resource for those comfortable with themselves, not requiring a plethora of possessions to make a statement about who they are.




2. Well, with the plethora of Feng Shui books out these days it is nice to flip through one that doesn't shout in your face. The photography in here is excellent and there are many great ideas for living simply. That is, this is a "clear your clutter" without any preaching; the pictures should provide reason enough to get rid of your piles of (crud).

   That said, there are some illustrations of definite "no-no's" and some spaces in here do not really look liveable. I wonder if the 'dressers' did a bit too much styling and removed all signs of life from some houses; either that or one wonders what the closets look like since you do need a certain amount of stuff to live.

   It also bothers me a bit that "zen" has become little more than a buzz-word. Go get a zafu, take a weekend session and start meditating. Then start fixing your space and you will have a "zen" living space. Following instructions and/or copying layouts from somewhere is about as far from zen as you can get! I think the author could have stressed this point a lot more.

   Still a fun coffee-table book...




3. This book was too sterile for me. It was done in the modern/minimalistic fashion that is so popular today. I like something that is beautiful, welcoming and comfortable . This book did not have any furniture that appeared to be anything you would want to sit on. Some of the rooms barely had any furniture in them.



4. 
   I really like this book, is minimalist, which I understand not everyone identifys with, but the photos, the coments the whole concept and contect makes this book a must have reference for anyone wanting to integrate oriental mindset to western culture. Highly recommended, and the price is unbetable.



5. this book was very useful for my project and helping me get ideas on a zen looking interior which was the feel i needed for the space i was designing. i would suggest this book to anyone who whats to acheive that look. it has alot of pictures to help you mind visulise the space and make your creative juices flow

5 comments about Creole Thrift: Premium Southern Living Without Spending a Mint.

1. A darling book about the old old south!! Angele Parlange truly brings back her fond memories that seemed to define her life today! It is very hard to put down because you want to keep reading/laughing out loud while the photos and tips are the icing on the cake!!! Great cute gift to give to a special friend who loves the south and what we stand for...Many Thanks to Angele for this adorable book!! My dear friend Amie gave it to me which I will always cherish her thoughtfulness!! Share and Enjoy!!



2. I sat down and finished this book in 2 short days, I was so curious and interested. When I finished, I just sat
   there, wondering how I felt about it!! That's where the confusion comes in . The cover photo and design (I"m an artist) were inticing. The content was a little weak. I am so in love with anything southern!! The southern ladies know all the finer things in life: how to dress, look, cook, decorate, speak, collect antiques, fine art, and more. Author's personal background interesting fairy tale like story .,.. The meat of the book was weak ... the decorating and receipes not at all at the level I was looking for ... it's more in the crafty funky catagory. It was like talking to a creative friend and a little walk thru the south, stopping and talking with her friends. Not sure if I would recommend ... altho have to say it was a different approach ... and I had a fun time reading!



3. This book is a really fun read: I buy design books constantly, and confess that I usually completely disregard the text. This book was the exception: I found it extremely entertaining, and actually read the entire thing, cover to cover. One of the main criticisms I've seen leveled at it is that most people don't consider the ideas thrifty. As an interior designer with a busy Chicago firm, I can understand both perspectives. By "thrifty", Ms. Parlange does not mean cheap. What she writes about is achieving a luxury result with far less expense than the usual routes. What this book does is essentially walk you through the steps of contracting a custom job yourself, rather than paying a designer $150 an hour to do it for you. In that sense, it's far less expensive than a custom job could run. I would also like to note, for those of you intimidated or overwhelmed by the custom world, it's truly not as daunting, and also often not as expensive, as you might think. If you can find somebody local, particularly somebody who works on the side or out of their home, rather than a large company, custom can actually be very reasonable and accessible. For example, there are many extremely talented seamstresses who work informally while their children are at school, or once they've officially retired. Custom will almost always be more expensive than walking into Target and buying pre-made draperies, or a generic mirror. However, it can be extremely gratifying, not to mention, often much more beautiful and appropriate to the space, to design something yourself and see it brought to fruition. Although most of these projects are a little on the "crafty" side, they could easily be dressed up or down. In short, this is a great, creative book about obtaining a luxurious result in a way that brings it into the realm of possibility for people who might not otherwise have the opportunity.



4. I found this book to be delightful-my husband likes to fish and about 10 years ago we found our way to False River about 100 miles from our home above New Orleans-well, Miss Lucy, Angele's Mother decided to invite us to fish on their private area......a private tour of the plantation....introduction to the locals.....an incredible day. What they didn't know is in a previous marriage my husband had discovered an oil well on their plantation and it saved their world!!!!! Isn't life fantastic how it all plays out.
   
   I forgot all about this fun day until I saw this book at the local book store & bought several copies for my friends, family etc. Angele is very talented, has a HUGE following of customers and I am delighted she wrote this book. The romance of the Deep South is captured successfully.



5. How fantastic that the super talented Angele Parlange has written this delightful book on the Deep South. Martha Stewart in one of her early magazine issues highlighted this family and their old plantation & several other national magazines has also over the years. So glad that Angele shared this with all of us. The connection to Paris is interesting as I am traveling there in May-want to look up the address of the ancestors.

No comments about Nina Campbell Decorating Journal.

2 comments about Maine Living.

1. "Maine, a geographical outpost thrust into the wild North Atlantic, has offered romance, mystery, retreat, and renewal to hundreds of thousands of people over the years." ~ Carol Bass
   
   Thinking about Maine makes me wonder about two of my best friends in the world and what their lives were like growing up in this beautiful area. Now and then they tell me about the winters or school life, but now I have pictures to go with the stories. The pictures are gorgeous and are authentic representations of the Maine lifestyle and culture.
   
   Throughout the book, advice is given on how to bring the feeling of Maine into your home. You may want to paint a picnic table or cook up a fish chowder. I found a quilt that has a very cozy Maine feeling to it and they suggested I put more red cushions in the living room.
   
   General stores are also a feature and Carol Bass shows you which flowers to plant to give your garden added beauty.
   
   I just know that one day I won't have to keep dreaming about a trip to Maine, I'll be there at a bed and breakfast where the breeze blows curtains through an open window, wandering down country roads and maybe even writing a poem while overlooking the water. The Blueberry Hill Farm Bed & Breakfast looks fascinating to visit in the late summer or early autumn.
   
   "Sixty thousand fun-loving visitors had up to Unity each fall to reconnect with rural living, to join in this feast for the senses, and to participate in a down-home celebration of the season's harvests: organic apples and squash, sunflowers and late-blooming perennials, fresh berry pies, homemade honeys and jams, and the best cottage cheese and goat's cheese this side of heaven."
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



2. This book is completely gorgeous and artfully conveys the beauty of the land, wit of the people, and talent of the photographer. I highly recommend it.

4 comments about Babyspace Idea Book (Taunton Home Idea Books).

1. Here's what's included in the book:
   Chapter 1 Nurseries (Starting with the Basics, Designing with Color, Choosing Decor, Creating Storage)
   Chapter 2 Bedrooms for Toddlers (Themed Rooms, Multiuse bedrooms, Shared Rooms, Furnishings)
   Chapter 3 Places to Play (Playrooms, Activity Zones, Storage & Organization)
   Chapter 4 Around the House (Kitchen, Bathrooms, Family Spaces, Mudrooms)
   There are lots of photos, ideas for room themes, and they are great for boys or girls.



2. Not much text but that was well made up for with beautiful pictures. The rooms are really beautiful and except for a few weird ones (fabulous but not achievable for the average person) the rest of the styles were achievable and mostly unique.



3. I bought this book hoping to get a lot of ideas for a baby room. I was really disappointed to see that more than half of the book was devoted to toddler and children's room. The few baby rooms pictured were not really my style and I don't think there is anything that I will copy. Most were either too modern or too frilly.
   
   If you are looking for toddler ideas or would like to design a baby room that will take your baby into childhood, this is probably a great resource. If you are looking for more traditional baby rooms I would suggest "Sunset Ideas for Great Baby Rooms" (also sold on Amazon).



4. There are some great ideas in this book that can be adapted to make a uniques space for your new addition. And the book offers some insights in how to make the transition from nursery to "big kid" room. Nice contemporary ideas that will help you to celebrate the individuality of your children without going overboard or getting into sickly-cutesy-sweet territory.

5 comments about Altar Your Space: A Guide to the Restorative Home.

1. This book makes a wonderful gift. It is meant to be looked at and referred to for specific instruction as well as inspiration. I've given a number as "house" and "wedding" gifts and keep it out in my home for my own enjoyment -- great to page through after a tough day.
   This is a book that will serve many purposes for many years.



2. ALTAR YOUR SPACE is a must have book! It appeals to all of your senses with its' inspiration of color, insight and possibility. I have applied the concepts the author conveys in my home; not only do I feel a sense of peace but everyone who visits feels somthing similar. This book is beautifully written and the photos are candy for the eyes. Treat your senses then give the gift of this masterpiece to someone who appreciates life.



3. This book captured my attention with the title and cover, but it held me from the intro right on through with the deep thought that obviously went into writing it. It hit me with its deep insight into how important to our well being, our consciousness, and our lives are impacted by our Sacred Space. It not only portrayed that visually but in the body of the work through metaphor, thought provoking ideas, and real life examples, shared in a spiritual voice. I love this book and I have already gotten it for two family members and a half dozen friends. Good job on taking what I would normally consider a coffee table book and giving it some substance.



4. I discovered this book at a book store in SF and while I did not think I was looking help at home the richness of the photographs and colors drew me into this book. Almost 30 minutes later, I had to purchase this book. One of those photography books in which the brilliant images bring you in but the sage and engaging writing style had me stay awake all night feeling as if this writer had opened my head and extracted everything I had ever felt but by no means could articulate or even know that I thought these things. I loved this book and with some simple changes, trials and efforts around my house, I look at my home much differently and more importantly, I feel different at home. Its promise to help me make my home feel more restorative was delivered. When I arrive home each night, it is like I have arrived at a perfect oasis. I highly recommend it.



5. The purpose of interior design is to ensure that the residents of a dwelling, be it a home, an office, or an apartment, live and work in as amenable, pleasant, personalized, and positive environment as possible. As a respite or sanctuary from the stresses and demands of the world at large, personal living spaces should be as good for the soul and spirit as they are for the body. Jagatjoti Singh Khalsa founded the Tara Home in Venice, California, for the purpose of specializing in sacred home furnishings and antiquities drawn from or inspired by the world's most spiritually rich locations. The result is "Altar Your Space: A Guide to The Restorative Home", a unique interior design guide focusing on the decor of a living space in meeting the personal and spiritual needs of its residents. Beautifully illustrated throughout, enhanced with informed and informative essays, and replete with real-life examples, "Altar Your Space" shows how to infuse a sacred quality into a living space with simple furnishings ranging from hand-cared wooden chairs, to stone statues, to silk pillows, to translucent curtain, and thereby crafting a kind of sacred place where form and function come together to create ideal metaphysically supportive living conditions with respect to virtually every room in a home. "Altar Your Space" is a very special and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library Interior Design reference collections and supplemental reading lists.