1 comments about Victorian Style: Classic Rooms Of North American Homes.

1. I purchased this book to give me ideas on which type of pattern/material I should use to reupholster a Victorian settee frame I recently bought. After looking through the breathtaking photos on these glossy pages, I know exactly which material to go with. And of course, from viewing this book I have a desire to purchase other victorian pieces to accompany the settee. It's a step back in time that must be seen.
   
   This is a wonderful book. Also, this book was like brand new although it is used. Just wish there were more pages.

5 comments about Urban Country Style.

1. You dont have to be a design expert to read this book. Gent and Hickman have managed to write a book that appeals to the novice as well as the expert. They use language and terminology that the average person will have no problem understanding. The photographs are very descriptive and help the reader to understand the concepts. There are tons of pictures and they're BEAUTIFUL! I have never read a design book that speaks to all ages and tastes. This concept is for today what Shabby Chic was years ago. The book is amazing and I highly recommend it. You may want to pick up two - one for the coffee table and one to dog-ear and get dirty while you're taking it with you while you shop. Trust me, you wont be sorry you did!



2. I saw this book in a Wash Post review and thoroughly enjoy flipping through it - the photograpy/styling is so crisp and clear and makes it look like you could actually DO this with stuff you alreay have. All the furnishings are really attractive - manage to combine modernity and nostalgia. Simple but not simplistic layout and clear, easy to follow philosophy (or so it seems - we'll see). It encourages you to be bold and I do think confidence is the key to dressing yourself or your house. A bit of moxie goes a long way! Really an attractive book and looks great on your coffee table even if you never get aroudn to styling it!



3. This is a physically beautiful book with many illustrative pictures. I have been simplifying for about two years and have been moving from the 'country' look toward more of the 'loft' or modern style. This book came at the right time with it's simplified style which complements some of the older furniture. The book has some good ideas but you have to be adventurous to try many of them. I wish they had included more older homes, the majority seemed to be pretty modern. I'm keeping the book and plan to refer to it as I renovate and remodel.



4. This book has a little something for everyone, whether you rent, own or are planning to build. You can be inspired by the creative uses of old and second hand objects for something unexpected and functional. The spaces are all very unique but in a simple and useful sort of way.



5. I bought this book thinking it would be perfect inspiration for decorating my urban condo. I love country style, but my condo lends itself to a more modern design. I got the impression the book would seamlessly combine them both, giving each the same amount of detail. However, it mostly played up the modern part of the design, while the "country" was just an afterthought. Picture after picture showed very hip, urban living spaces, complete with minimalism, plastic chairs, and loft lighting. Then, they'd throw in one cowhide rug, and old chest, or a painting of some hay (shown in one very modern bathroom), and BAM, called it "urban country." There were probably about three pictures that really defined the title, but I was still left feeling very disappointed.

1 comments about Complete Built-Ins, Shelves & Bookcases (Stanley Complete).

1. This book will help you create very nice projects. Some projects were very advanced, but overall, provides a lot of ideas and tips how to finish off your bookcase.

5 comments about Let's Get Comfortable.

1. I just got the book and liked the outlay of the book. I used one or two suggestions in the book I found it different as it included the authors pet and a few other dogs. Most books of this nature forget about the animals who are an integral of some families. More diagrams for kitchen layout would have been nice.



2. I think that Gold and Williams did a splendid job of displaying their furniture and accessories while explaining the reasoning behind the use and room design.



3. Disappointing. The book is essentially a catalog of the furniture made by the authors. Their furniture is nice but it is not nice to make a catalog and call it a book.



4. This a terrific book. It is a must-have for anyone who wants to decorate their home in a comforatable, stylish manner. There are so many beautiful photographs that will inspire the decorator in you. I had white slipcovered furniture and no clue what to do with them. I now have a beautiful living room that is unique and gorgeous. Get this book!



5. The book arrived in great condition and super fast. It's a great book filled with loads of awesome pictures and tips from their incredible designs. I look forward to doing more shopping soon.

5 comments about Beds.

1. An excellent book on bed construction. I built the pencil post bed that Jeff has in his book and the plans and advise were easy to follow. It came out looking great!

   A good book for the beginner to the experienced woodworker. Excellent color pictures and instructions for each type of bed.

   I recommend it highly to anyone who is going to think about building or commissioning a bed project.

   Thanks Jeff if you read this!




2. I am in the process of finishing up the bed shown on the cover of this book. It is the first bed and biggest project I have ever made since I have a samll shop and limited tools. It turns out beautifully that even surprises myself. Jeff Miller gives detailed instructions, design and material list that makes the project a easy task. I happen to have a mortise machine that makes the mortises for the slats much easier and nicer. Also, after I visited a local store, I easily changed dimensions of the bed to suit personal taste. I really enjoyed making this bed.



3. This book gave me the confidence to build a bed. I chose Jeff's most basic design and it went smoothly. I would not say this book is for the complete novice however. I had oversight from an experienced woodworker. Nevertheless, Jeff is a good writer with nice pictures. And opinions. The great thing about Tauton Press books is that they get experts to share their insights and opinions that you simply do not get from people like Time-Life

   The projects range in style, and they are all pleasing.




4. The whole series of these book's (desks, bookcase, tables, beds) is a must for all woodworkers.

   I built the Pencil Post Bed out of this book and will be working on another of the bed projects soon. I like the paperback style easy to read and comfortable to work with. The is a good mix of projects in these books some high end and some fairly basic, good detail on techniques and alternative constructive methods. Pictures are for the most part good. Only drawback in some places I'd like to see a bit more explanation in some places.




5. Have gotten a few here and although I'm just doing basic projects, these books are a great resource and provide tons of helpful information

3 comments about Reupholstering at Home: A Do-It-Yourself Manual for Turning Old Furniture into New Showpieces.

1. This book is well written, concise, and easy to follow. It is especially good for first-timers as the authors take you through many steps most beginners do not consider.



2. Although a book could never substitute seeing first hand, how upholstery is done, this book provides very detailed information. The photos are dated, but the process of the work is not and very clearly explained. Definitely a good reference book to have for anyone learning upholstery who might need additional information.



3. This book is excellent! The author shows you step by step what you need to do to reupholster your piece of furniture. I used this book and was able to quickly learn what I needed to do to reupholster an old chair I own and looked like I bought a new chair from the store when I was finished. Since then, I have had family and friends asking me where I bought the "new chair!" I recommend this book to anyone wishing to do the same.

5 comments about Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s.

1. My sister has just bought a 1950's ranch home with some original features. I was hoping this book would help celebrate the house and give some ideas as to decor. Instead, it is a good overview of the furniture designers who influenced the furniture of the time. It's nice, but not what I was looking for, which was the physical living space/furnishings of the middle class of the 50's.



2. This is a wonderful coffee table book, a joy to browse through. It is profusely illustrated and contains a wealth of information.
   If you like modern design I also suggest to visit the wonderful online archive about George Nelson at WWW.GEORGENELSON.ORG and also the museum archive from Verner Panton at WWW.VERNERPANTON.COM



3. Excellent text as well as photos. It has been a collector's reference for me for years now.
   Highly recommended.



4. Widely covered mid-century master pieces by famous designers. If you are interested in vintage furnitures, this would be your great guide.



5. If you are looking for a book on Mid Century Chairs, look no further. I however was searching for a book on furniture not exclusive of chairs. The book is well organized and informative, but it was not what I was looking for.

5 comments about Shop Drawings for Craftsman Furniture: 27 Stickley Designs for Every Room in the Home (Shop Drawings series).

1. Ever since building our first piece of "Stickley" style furniture I've been looking for a book with more ideas. This one certainly filled the bill. Given the time, I could outfit my whole house with these attractive pieces! Mr. Lang's style helped make it an enjoyable read while his hints and advice came in useful from the start. An added benefit was the facinating history of the Stickley company. It really gave me some insight as to the designs.



2. This book is an excellent compendium of arts and craft style furniture, but boys and girls, check your measurements when you start some of the pieces. I built the wardrobe No112 and have pretty good shop experience. I found errors all over that particular wardrobe. I can understand bad measurements but some were obviously the planners fault.
   Admittedly I have not built anything else in the book and this is a fairly elaborate piece. But I found myself shaving off full half inches where I shouldn't have to. Triple check any measurements made and you will be fine! It is unfortunate that such a detailed book with great ideas for plans does not have its measurements doubled checked. The scales for the furniture in the book do not match some of the drawings either. When I get a series of drawings I expect the measurements to be tried and tested. The book does have a good set of suggestions to build the furniture. Sometimes drawings are missing though that would clarify the project. The economy of pages makes the carpenter lose out.



3. I built the #332 Morris Chair from the plans in this book and found a huge mistake in the measurements: the chair was fully 4" too wide (I caught this in time to fix it, thank goodness). In Mr. Lang's drawings the seat area is measured at 27" wide; in all the Stickley catalogs, it's clearly labeled as 23". Several of the other dimensions were also questionable.
   Much of the information in the book, in the text and the drawings, is very valuable. I've enjoyed the book and would buy it again in a minute. Just make sure, if accuracy is important to you, to check his details against every picture and description of an original piece that you can find!!



4. I have enjoyed looking at the plans and for the most part are very well done but I have built some of the pieces and have found errors in the measurements - as you should always do Measure Twice and cut once
   
   Overall I would buy other books from Mr. Lang



5. 23 pages of "how-to's" and then detailed 2D and isometric drawings with dimensions and with cut lists. Cheap paper, no color, but clarity is very high because the plans are in drawing form rather than photos. Could have been improved with exploded diagrams of through-tenon joints, but Stickley's craftsmen didn't need that evidently. The projects are authentic, and work for woodworkers who don't want any style upgrades and only want the 1rst generation Arts and Crafts that the book represents.

4 comments about Vintage Furniture Painting.

1. I'm not artistically inclined, but think that after reading this book, I might actually be able to transform one of my old pieces of furniture into something quite nice! The photos and instructions are well thought out. There are patterns to enlarge and follow, too. Pretty much everything you need but paint and brushes is in the book. I'm going to give it a try. I've been inspired! There are 'workbook' pages for vines and roses and so on, so I think I'll practice some of the easier looking ones and then jump right in and paint my furniture and see what happens. Wish me luck!



2. Ok, so I wrote it- this is Karen and I want you all to know I did my best to put everything I look for in a painting book- in this book. As an artist I am very visual so there are design ideas, adaptable patterns, and step by step instruction to turn your simple brush strokes into your own beautiful designs. And all the designs can be used on multiple surfaces- not just furniture.
   My purpose in writing this book was to give you the tools, the information, and the tricks of the trade I have learned for the past 15 years to create your own pieces and enjoy doing it! I did my best and I hope you learn and enjoy the wonder of paint and design transformations.
   And yes I did give it a 4 because I think its good but you always want it to be a little better. If you are an artist you always see where you could make improvements. Maybe on my next book. Thank you for your time and to all who helped me and encouraged me on this project. I truly hope you enjoy this book- but mostly I hope you learn from it.



3. As a small antiques and collectibles dealer, I have had the opportunity to purchase hand painted furniture and gift items from Karen Petrus Williams for the last twelve years. I knew she had a book coming out and was expecting great things. WOW!! She exceeded even my expectations. I have purchased books to display with her work in the shop. This review is to encourage other artists to follow her techniques. There is a market out there. Grandma's Keepers Katy, Texas



4. As an artist, I'm continually searching for fresh, new, inspiration and information. This book presents page after page of beautiful painting ideas and instructions. I was very pleased with the information provided- start to finish, with each project. The beautiful worksheets covering layout ideas, borders, and artwork illustrations were extremly helpful. I have been painting with the one-stroke technique for years and now have a new avenue to explore. This book would be of great value to a longtime painter like myself or someone ready to try furniture or home accessory painting for the first time. I have paid far more for many books that had much less to offer. A great value!

5 comments about Creating the French Look: Inspirational Ideas and 25 Step-by-step Projects.

1. I loved this book. First, the photography was beautiful. And secondly, it was full of the authentic french looks I love; French mannequins, furniture, linens, etc. The first part of the book is organized into 8 different french "looks". The second part features four different areas of the home, living room, ditchen and dining room, bedroom and bathroom and garden rooms to which these various looks are applied. Sprinkled throughout the book are several different projects to be created to achieve the french look. I loved the book, not so much for the projects, (which I'm too lazy to attempt) but for the visual ideas used to pull together a variety of french styles and looks. I could do without the projects, but you can't beat the pictures!



2. A treasure trove of ideas that make creating French style in the home just a few easy projects away. Whether your taste is rustic and simple, eclectic bohemian, or sophisticated in the grand manner, this book provides a veritable template with detailed easy to follow instructions and plenty of photographs. None of the projects are too demanding or intimidating. Each style has been pared down to its essential--paint color choices, fabrics, accessories and so forth, making it easy for do-it-yourselfers to achieve the classic French decor so popular today. A must-have reference for francophile decorators.



3. I was expecting SO much more from this book. There just wasn't enough "meat" and way too many crafty ideas.



4. I thought this book devoted too many pages to craft projects. That being said, the categorization of various French "styles" is very helpful to a Francophile like me. It has proven very helpful in talking with my architect and designer as it has helped me clarify which French design elements I like in a way that is difficult to achieve by simply collecting pictures from magazines. It has allowed us to identify governing themes to my design and decor.



5. I drooled over this book in a bookstore and then came home and ordered it from Amazon for a better price! This book contains a lot of "how to" sections...faux painting/finishing, simple sewing projects, giving objects a patina, etc, so that you can create the French look...it's not just a pretty picture design book. However, it DOES have wonderful pictures which will certainly inspire any French decorating aficionado --or anyone who just LOVES simple/rustic/shabby interior decorating like I do!