5 comments about Bungalow Kitchens.

1. I can't even count the number of times I've reread this book or just leafed through and admired the fabulous pictures. As the owner of a 1920 foursquare, nothing makes me sadder than to see an old house that's been "improved" by someone with no sense of history or vintage style. This book celebrates vintage kitchens in painstaking detail, describing the form and function of every single surface, nook and cranny. If you're using this book as a "how to" guide, the authors are realistic enough to give you several levels of authenticity from which to choose -- for instance, are you going to go all the way and have a vintage icebox? Can you not live without a microwave and dishwasher? What kind of screws should you use on your cabinet hinges if you want to be "period authentic?" The companion bathroom book is great, too, but this book is my very favorite and inspired me to replace my brand new (but characterless) gas stove with a yellow and green 1920's model with shapely long legs!



2. I've been toying for years with plans to fix up the kitchen in our 1923 American Foursquare house, but last year when both my nonagenarian grandmothers moved into Assisted Living Facilities, I found myself clearing out their kitchens. When I brought some of their vintage kitchen equipment into my own kitchen, it suddenly came clear that my own kitchen re-do simply had to honor the history of my house and more importantly, the histories of my grandmothers' kitchens.
   
   I am in no way interested in obsessive restoration, but I really needed to see what kitchens of my grandmothers' childhoods and young married lives would look like. What might my own kitchen have looked like when it was first built? There are charming Craftsman details elsewhere in my home... under the barn-red paint and 1970's "country primitive" wallpaper, what was the feel of this room?
   
   This book is like a stroll through a neighborhood-full of kitchens from this era, wonderfully photographed and clearly explained. While my kitchen renovation will be a relatively simple project, I am thrilled to have such a lovely resource on which to base my search for the kitchen that lies beneath all that paint!



3. If you want to be historically accurate, this book is for you. The author gives examples of "Obsessive Restoration" and a "Compromise Solution" for each element of restoring a bungalow kitchen. However, even the compromise was too obsessive for me. In addition, the author wasted way too many pages discussing the history of kitchens, which is irrelevant to me. Her companion book, "Bungalow Bathrooms" is much of the same. I just built a new Craftsman home, and my goal was to build a new home with historic influences, so what I was hoping for were suggestions on how to incorporate modern materials and modern conveniences to achieve a bungalow look. Obviously that was not the author's goal -- she's all about keeping the historical accuracy. For me, "The New Bungalow Kitchen" by Peter LaBau was much more useful. It shows how you can bring bungalow style to your home without it looking outdated and old. And the photos are gorgeous.



4. Being on the extremely limited budget, the idea of restoring our 1923 craftsman kitchen to the obsessive original is not even an option. This fabulous book gives you numerous ideas/ paths as to what a $100,000 restoration would encompass, and then provides compromises that the 'normal' home owner can accomplish with great results. It definitely made me re-contemplate several ideas that we had already set in stone, and I think ultimately will save us investment money. My favorite aspect of this book? Unlike several bungalow magazines (which will go unnamed) that feel the need to pretentiously describe the 'color of fumed oak' and ten million other things that the average home owner will never afford or see, Jane Powell is down to earth and able to 'talk' to you like your neighbor next door.



5. When I was getting ready to restore the kitchen in my 1922 California Bungalow I had no clue where to start. The previous owners had gutted the original kitchen for commerical property use and had put in Pay N Pak cabinets and almond color formica to sell the house. After 13 years living with the new kitchen I decided to put in a period kitchen. Jane's book gave me the courage, inspiration and most important, the clues on where to begin.
   
   My contractor had met Jane at a workshop and respected her expertise. I was able to contact her through her business website. She was so excited and supportive for my project. She is a wonderful person with a great sense of humor as well as history of how our bungalow homes can help us live more healthy and fulfilling lives. And Linda's photos are marvelous.
   One in particular helped me decide to use the six black glass cabinet knobs I found left in the basement. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves their old bungalow. For those building a new bungalow you will find the bones in this book and you might think twice about corian or granite countertops.

5 comments about The Violin Maker: Finding a Centuries-Old Tradition in a Brooklyn Workshop.

1. Sam Zygmontowicz is one of the great contemporary violinmakers, and John Marchese has more than done him justice in describing the process of his making a violin (for the Emerson String Quartet's first violinist, Gene Drucker). In the process, Marchese takes us not only into Zyg's studio, but also to Cremona, the birthplace of the violin in its modern form (in the 1560s) and the home of the three greatest families of violinmakers--Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri. In addition, Marchese reports on his meetings with Drucker, who commissioned the violin, and on Drucker's reaction to his new instrument--which complements the Strad on which he had been playing but cannot, in his opinion, fully replace it.



2. Very well written- get's the heart of what it takes to be one of the best at your craft. I especially like the fact Sam (like all artists and craftsmen) needs to be inspired to "create." It's nice to know those special people are not much different than you and I. We all have self-doubts, we all need to be reassured...yet well need to press forth and create.



3. This is a gift for our grandson who is an accomplished violinist and at one point in his life (11 yrs. old) attempted to construct a violin. We know that he will enjoy reading this book.



4. My son, now 17 has been playing his Great-Great Grandfather's violin for 8 years. Though I love how he plays, he feels he needs a replacement. I didn't know much about violins, so... my first step was to read about it. I picked up John Marchese's book for many reasons, one of which was to get a feel for what we should be looking for with the replacement. I was thrilled at how the book was written, the information it contained and the "easy read" of it. It gives great credit to Sam Zygmuntowicz along with all of those who work to create the magical boxes. I enjoyed it and it definitely had influence on how we will proceed with my son's next violin. Thank You.



5. It's very hard to write a book about someone else carving a violin and make it interesting reading for the general public, but John Marchese has done it. His book pulls the reader in by weaving three stories together in a compellingly artful way: the story of his own unfolding understanding of violins and violinists; a restrained description of the making of a violin; an exploration of a violinist and his desire for ideal tone. This is the tale of a master carver, Sam Zygmuntowicz, and a concert violinist, Eugene Drucker (of the Emerson String Quartet), in their collaborative efforts to create a perfect violin. Marchese's style of writing is fun to read, and propels the reader from chapter to chapter effortlessly and satisfyingly--he manages to balance the three stories evenly. (Is it my imagination, or is this unusually narrow book itself based on the proportions of a violin? Just one more thing to add to the physical enjoyment of reading the book!) Rather than focusing too much on technical details of violin making (he kindly refers interested readers to several books that cover this territory), he merely opens a window into the quirky world of a single violin maker's studio, describing the most interesting aspects of the work (the selection of wood, the `secrets' of varnishing) with verve and wit. Likewise, in describing the professional violinist's relationship with sound and with instruments, he has deftly painted a portrait of a single artist, but one whose search for the `right' instrument surely represents the experiences of other instrumentalists. This book is a perfect companion to Toby Faber's "Stradivari's Genius." Without much mental strain, readers will come away from this book with a pretty clear understanding of the complexities of making and playing what he calls at one point "the magical box."

5 comments about Shell Chic: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Home With Seashells.

1. I saw this book at my aunt's house and from the time I started flipping through the pages, I knew I had to buy this one. There are the most beautiful shell flower projects with easy to follow instructions that I have come across to date. The color photos are spectacular and provide so many ideas for what to do with the buckets of shells that some of us have collected! I have already purchased my floral wire and plan on doing some group projects out of this book with family and friends.
   
   Joni Chew



2. thisbook is pearl for every shell lovers .There are a lot of projects i cannot wait to do .It got me so excited .As well i had already a lot of ideas and this book make them possible.the bathtub is the best >
   truly BOOK TO GET .The pictures are amazing



3. This is a book written by a professional with a passion for shells and design. I loved it... read it cover to cover, and studied each photo. Great attention to detail throughout this book.
   
   There is a great deal of content here. Why not 5 stars? I would have preferred more how-to information and technique.. like maybe 5 more pages worth. I think it was in the scope of the book, but they chose to leave it out... so for that you must look elsewhere.
   
   Be warned... if you are looking for googly eyed shell animal kinda shell craft, you won't find it here, and may be disappointed.



4. Was elated to finally recieve this book.Born and raised in Hawaii i've been influenced by beautiful beaches and shells my entire life .This book is a treasure.LOVE looking at all the ways people have incorporated shells into their homes and lives.Sure,the size of the book and beautiful cover make it an ideal coffee table book but it has so much more to offer.I appreciated learning about the history of different cultures and how they have used shells in the past.The photographs are stunning and inspiring and will have you thinking about how you can incorporate some of these ideas into your life.Thank You for a beautiful book!



5. If you have collected numerous shells from vacations or walks on the beach, this book will help you to use them. If you have a glue gun, you can use it to put those collections of shells to good use. Would recommend for the serious crafter and those wanting to do something besides putting your shells in a glass jar. Full of many colorful photographs and ideas. Some a little over-the-top, but if you have a beach cottage or home by the water, or even a ocean-themed room, this is full of ideas and instructions. You must really LOVE shells to appreciate this book.

5 comments about Winter House.

1. Wither House.
   
   At a loss for words. Beautiful but boring. Old school that doesn't bring anything new to the table (or the myriad of tables). It'll be on the sale rack soon. If you know people that like this kind of stilted matchy-matchy interior design work, then get it for them. Otherwise it's a snore.



2. I received this book for Christmas and sat down with a cup of coffee on a late December morning to read it. It is a beautiful book, full of luscious photograhs and delightful text. I felt like I was a fortunate visitor to the wonderful Aspen home of the Moss family. What a thoroughly enjoyable escape on a wintry day!
   "Winter HOuse" will remain on my coffee table until Spring and then come out again next November, when I will enjoy reading it again.



3. I always thought I loved winter until browsing this book. It is full of dull, dreary, depressing rooms. The fourth "d"--disappointing!!!



4. After finding this book at a tag sale, I did some quick research on Ms Moss and found several interviews...I like to know the philosophy of the designers I recommend to clients...After reading several interviews and going through her book, I find Ms Moss a very fake, pretentious social climber. Judging someone by the shoes they wear or the napkins one has! She should be ashamed of herself. Even though her writing tries to show that she seems welcoming and embracing it is easy to read between the lines...It is entirely clear why this book wound up at the bottom of a box in a tag sale and I am glad I only spent .50 cents!



5. This book is very visually descriptive. The author/designer put together the colors, textures, fabrics, furniture, etc. to give the reader a perfect picture of each room that he/she designed. I found myself going back through this book many times, each time finding something new. This book is not only a great resource book but also a beautiful book if one wishes to use it to embellish their coffee table. The "Winter House" is a must have for my home library.

2 comments about Dream Windows: Historical Perspectives, Classic Designs, Contemporary Creations.

1. This is a wonderful book, the author assists you with questions to ask yourself, and gives you many options. A book you will use again and again when considering window treatments. I bought another book, 1001 and one ideas for windows, and it didn't compare at all to this book.



2. This is a wonderful book with beautiful photographs! It has many fantastic design ideas for window treatments. This is a must have for any window treatment or design professional. Also, if you are thinking about decorating, this book will give you some great ideas!

5 comments about New Decorating Book (Better Homes & Gardens).

1. I highly recommend this book! This is by far one of the best decorating books that I have purchased. Lots of iedeas in many decorating styles, all done with class.



2. I have several editions of this book. This most recent one is the best yet. It shows inspirational photographs representing many different styles. It includes tips and insights on what makes that room "pop". A favorite section is when they show the same room done in a different way - love that flexibility! There are great chapters on stylish storage, small houses, and lighting. As a professional interior decorator, I take this book with me to appointments so I can show clients some up-to-date decorating ideas we can consider. If you are serious about decorating, you seriously need this book.



3. Ironically, there is not much that is "new" in the "New Decorating Book." Anyone who is hoping to find inspiration or fresh ideas is better off buying the magazine or another book. After reading it, I felt as though I had been duped by the "All-New Edition" title.



4. I do like having decorating books to get ideas from, and having lots of pictures sure helps. I like this one.



5. This is the second interior decorating book that I have bought from Better Homes and Gardens. I have found it to be very colorful, helpful and just fun to browse through. I honestly recommend it to those of you who like to try new ideas for your home.

5 comments about Artisan Welding Projects: 25 Decorative Projects for Hobby Welders.

1. I bought this book for my father as a gift for fatersday. According to him, this book is great! It is full of do-able projects, and the guidelines are easy to understand. The projects are interesting, and practical, and you can use the stuff you make in and around the home. A great gift!



2. This is a good book for ideas. It shows what can be done with lightweight steel stock and a few metal working tools. The pictures are high quality.
   
   However, the projects are poorly done. In a book like this, I expected to see professional looking welds with nice regular beads. Instead they look like pigeon droppings - the sort of thing one might expect from a rank beginner. Nor is this just a matter of appearance, some of the welds just look unsound with poor penetration and fusion. There is no attempt to design the projects so that the welds are out of sight and these are not the kind of projects where the look of the welds adds to the overall appearance, especially since they are so poorly executed. Some of the projects involve scrolled flat stock. The scrolls are not done well. Curves are misshapen, the ends have flat spots from the bender and matched pairs are glaringly assymetric. All these problems could have been corrected by taking a just little more time with the work. Many of the projects leave sharp corners in positions where they could cause a nasty gash if one were to bump into them.
   
   I am left wondering if the author actually knows how to weld and whether she would have any of these items in her own home.



3. The nice thing about this book is it shows tricks and tips to make the metal shapes without having to have the expensive tools. The projects are layed out nicely and easy to follow. great book!!!!!



4. This book has a wide range of projects from beginning to more advanced. The shipment came promptly and I'm very happy with it.



5. The projects have a high school or technical school feel to them however I felt they were great skill building tasks that once mastered could be leveraged for more difficult projects.

5 comments about The Complete Illustrated Guide to Shaping Wood (Complete Illustrated Guide).

1. Fabolous book,excellent easy to follow tips,very well photographed,excellent help around the workshop



2. Shaping wood by Lonnie Bird is one of the best book I have read on the subject.
   Written in a clear and simple style, illustrated by hundreds of beautifull color pictures, this book will take you through a journey that will introduce you to all the different techniques that can be use to shape wood.
   You will find it all, cutting complex compound curves, molding, turning, carving and bending.



3. Jest to naprawde dobra pozycja. Mialem okazje korespondowac z autorem i jest to naprawde mily gosc! Ksiazka jest prawdziwa skarbnica wiedzy. Jest dobrze ilustrowana. Jej poziom merytoryczny jest naprawde wysoki. Na polskim rynku trudno bedzie znalesc taka pozycje
   
   (Przepraszam wszystkich za brak polskich znakow diakrytycznych ale to wina systemu informatycznego Amazon. Polskie znaki zmieniane sa na krzaki i dlatego z nich zrezygnowalem)



4. What a great book! Very useful, nice functional layout. This is a shop manual more then a book for causal reading.
   
   I believe every successful woodworker possess their own 'Secrets of the Craft'. These are time-tested methodolgies made unique by each craftsmen. Bird goes into great detail about how and more importantly WHY he chooses one method over another in almost every topic.
   
   This is one book that should be sitting near your bench, and not stored with your (often unopened) machine manuals.



5. This book is a very good resourse for building period furniture with one exception. The author's shop is tooled much better than the average shop and he assumes the his readers have the same tools that he does. So far, I have worked out an alternate method of accomplishing the tasks without different tools. The book gave me the basics and I was forced to do some complex problem solving so I have to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to build up my brain power.

5 comments about Clutter's Last Stand: It's To De-junk Your Life!.

1. The reviews of this book were so good that I guess I was expecting the definitive book on decluttering. While the author makes me smile, admits he has a tendency to be somewhat of a packrat, and is easily understood, something seems to be missing. I want motivation, but find that I can receive more motivation on various websites on the net. As I declutter my bookshelves, this book will be one that goes in the 'donate' box. Mr. Aslett knows his subject though, and I'm looking forward to receiving his book, Is There Life After Housework? I have high hopes for time-saving tips from that book.



2. I've read this book & a few others that Aslett has written. This is my favorite by far. It is motivational & always makes me want to jump up & dejunk my house. I have a short list of books that are so good that I try to re-read them every year--this book is on that list! If you ever find that you can't easily put things away because your cupboards, drawers or closets are too crowded, or you ever feel like you "should" keep something (gift, belonged to someone dear to you, could be worth something, someone might be able to use it, etc.) then this is the book for you! Don Aslett has a good sense of humor & writes in an easy-to-read manner. It doesn't take a long time or a lot of concentration to read his books, plus you actually want to get up & simplify your life before you've even finished the book! Highly recommend this book for pretty much anyone to read! :-)



3. This book is perhaps one of the most influential books I have ever read. I come from a long line of pack rats and junk hoarders. I was raised to view things and objects as not whether I needed them, but as whether they were "a good deal".
   
   Aslett's book is not about cleaning, it's not even about de-junking your house, it's about changing your mentality about stuff. Not just stuff you can hold, stuff you hold onto that otherwise has no purpose or value.
   
   This book will make you seriously reflect on what is important in your life. Too often, especially in the U.S., we think that things will make us happy, and nearly every holiday and event is filled with gift giving. Over time this accumlates and for some reason our allegiance shifts from people to things.
   
   I read this book when I was a freshman in high school and I have never looked back.



4. I was inspired to clean, toss, and condense after reading this book. Read this book with highlighter in hand.



5. I bought this book about 5 years ago and it changed my life. The first time I read it-I took 2 carloads of stuff to the Goodwill. I reread it a month later and got rid of 2 more carloads. The 3rd time six months later another full carload. I kept rereading it and have remained relatively clutterless for several years.
   
   I decided to pass the book on to a packrat friend. This month I was sorry I had and ordered another copy. Since reading "Clutter's Last Stand" I have check out numerous books on clutter control from the library but have only used one or two ideas from these other volumes.
   
   This book is the classic and the ONLY one you need-but you need to keep rereading it. Anything else should be tossed as wasteful rubbish~

No comments about The Mediterranean House in America.