Reviews (30)

Simply excellent, from start to finish
This book is a must. It will show everything from start to finish.

It helped me with my DIY furniture !
As I went into some DIY woodworking projects and needed some help, I bought this one together with another Taunton series: Gary Rogowski's "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery". Excellent books both of them. The sections are very well balanced and the techniques are discussed starting from a logical sequence in a furniture building project (framework, joinery, sides etc). Moreover, it gives you freedom to choose the most appropriate technique but you also have the basics (without power tools) which is very helpful in order to understand them better. No fuss about gear and promotion of one brand or another, the book it is very careful about that and it gives you freedom to choose between category of tools and not vendors. Also it has some chapters about wood finishing which are very well done, providing information in a very concentrating manner. For this one alone Taunton convinced me to buy another one, Jeff Jewitt and Susan Jewitt's "Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing". The photographs are beautiful and high quality print (it is printed in Italy, famous for its publishers) and worth the money. Really, you have a lot to learn if you are a beginner or mid-advanced in the art of woodworking and it is a very practical lecture whenever you want to build something wood-wise. Also, the book is a very good reference for those that are teaching these techniques given the quality of the pictures and clarity of text. Five stars, worth every penny IMO.

Ideal Starters
As you would come to expect from Taunton Press Books, they know their stuff when it comes to woodworking. The person who would like this book would be someone who is looking for an overview of all the techniques and hardware that can be used to create fine furniture. It tries to accomplish a lot in one book. So if you are looking for a book to be a idea starter, this is a good reference. I would suggest that you get this to set the foundation and add more books as you pick up a technique you would like to learn more about.
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Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Cabinetwork    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Design & Construction    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Furniture    7. Furniture making    8. House & Home    9. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    10. Woodworking    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    12. Furniture & cabinetmaking   

Reviews (5)

Color theroy
I am studing interior design and this book was recommended to me.I think it is an excellent book.

ANything by John Pile....
This is a great color reference for interior designers, or aspiring designers. It is a great visual reference, offers very good detail and I use it often for reference when putting together story boards and offering ideas to clients.

The Amazing Mr. Pile
If you are an interior design student and you want good interior design books, then, in your search, just key in the words "John Pile".You just cannot go wrong.I have them all.Thanks, Mr. Pile.The books are well written, well produced, the paper excellent, photography excellent.Most of all, I like his style of writing, of getting his ideas across.He makes a student's life so much easier. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Color in interior decoration    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Interior Design    5. Interior Design - General    6. Architecture / General    7. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (5)

the right book, at the right time, in the right place... dubai
the right book, at the right time, in the right place... dubai

A must - read for anyone involved in complex development partnerships
Although this book addressed many tricky scenarios for land use and development, it was the only definitive guide I could find that addressed the acquisition of funding for commercial (high density residential) projects involving multiple partners. I'm sure I will be referring back to it regularly!

What a Phenomenal Job!
I read construction funding, prematurely perhaps, as one of my first ever real estate books - and I loved it! The book takes the reader through several once-real-life scenarios and explains the construction process step by step. I think that both ambitious beginners and more seasoned loan officers and developers would benefit from reading this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Construction - General    3. Construction industry    4. Engineering - Civil    5. Finance    6. Leases    7. Mortgage loans    8. Project Management    9. Real estate development    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Technology    12. Budgeting & financial management    13. Technology / Engineering / Civil    14. USA   

Reviews (12)

Excellent Handbook fo Advanced DIYers
This book has been an excellent handbook in working on a major remodeling project of our 15 year old house.Text is easily understood and the phtography of the worksite and the tools are crisp and easy to view.Both compliment one another.Am very pleased to have spent the money on this reference!I recommend it to all DIYers.

Must Have Renovation Took
Not a long endorsement, but to say that this book is phenomenal and has been a godsend over the past four (4) years as my wife and I gutted and completely rebuilt the insides of a wonderful old home that had been terribly neglected.

Perfect, for learning or for reference
I rehab 100 year old houses for a living.I do it all from elctrical to plumbing, heating systems, etc.Since I am a jack of all trades, I am a master of none, and when I need to do something for the first time, I reach for this book.Jacking up a foundation?Custom stair stringers?Learned it here.
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Subjects:  1. Conservation and restoration    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Dwellings    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Maintenance And Repair    6. House & Home    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Remodeling    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation    11. House maintenance   

Reviews (14)

3 and a half stars, pleasant reading, expectations too high
He starts off his book asking the reader to read the book cover to cover. This is not typical for a do it yourself project book. We needed some help on technical questions for a windowsill and backsplash and between reading the book when we can and trying the John Bridge Forum online and asking the specific question (we were unable to find another thread with our answers) we still have no answers. We have been trying to get answers for about 3 weeks now. However, for someone trying to learn masonry this is a good book to add to your library.

Full of Information
Got this book a few weeks ago as I prepare to redo two bathrooms.Although the pictures aren't the best, the descriptions, and funny writing style make this book a wealth of knowledge.

Great tip and step by step for all tile projects!
This book has been invaluable in my bathroom remodel.It contains many tips by the experts and scientific justification for other aspects of tile setting.A must have for the more advanced tile setting projects and a definite must for shower installs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Building Details Finishing    3. Construction - General    4. Construction - Masonry    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Decorating    7. Do-It-Yourself - Masonry    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. House & Home    11. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    12. House & Home / Masonry    13. Pottery & Ceramics    14. Technology    15. Technology & Industrial Arts    16. Tile laying    17. Tiles   

Reviews (40)

Informative but not comprehensive
I had the idea that I would make my own very customized concrete countertops, but after reading the book I decided on granite instead.
Concrete a la carte
If you want to see everything that can possibly be done with concrete, this is your book.
Great Book
With out saying too much this book covers everything you need to know about DIY concrete countertops.Equipment to time involved very well worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Concrete    2. Countertops    3. Design & Construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General    9. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    10. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    11. Building skills    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. House & Home / Design & Construction    14. House maintenance    15. HOUSE & HOME / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (14)

Great book, amazing pictures but falls just a bit short.
As a normal guy who enjoys interior design and Candice Olson's "Divine Design" in moderation I was interested in purchasing this book as a gift for my mother unfamiliar with the show. I was definitely not disappointed with the quality of the layout and most importantly for those who watch the show or have simply heard of this best selling book, the pictures truly speak for themselves. Very clear, bright and they truly allow you to visualize the spaces created for yourself. What stops me from giving the book 5 stars however is that despite the show and Candice being Canadian I think she could have done a great service by providing a reference list for where readers can purchase similar items and accessories found in the remodels, even if they were in Canada. I love the metal chairs found on p.21 for example, as well as some of the coffee tables and chairs that you can see throughout. Highly recommended for any fan of the show,anyone who likes to dream of the perfect interior and to get some great remodeling and interior design ideas.

Great Follow Up to the Show
My husband and I love the show and believe that Candice is the ONLY designer we would ever hire to decorate our home (if I didn't do it myself).This book is great because it contains the designs that appear on the show and allows us to view them in detail (since it's hard to grasp everything in 30 minutes).The ideal reader for this book is someone who loves Candice, loves the show, and is not looking for hand-holding, step-by-step information.It's for those of us who see something we like and then want to incorporate portions of one (or more) of her designs in our own environment.

Lovin' Candice
I really enjoy the show so knew I would like the book. She goes through her thought process and tons of great ideas that are easy to replicate if you're so inclined. Good book for design. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - General    6. Home furnishing & decoration    7. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (4)

Bogus! (well, at least for the reviews)
This may be a good book (maybe even a great one) but don't judge it from the 3 reviews before mine, they are blatantly fake.
Motivating
Feeling tired of how my house looked, this book was just what I needed! Perfect if you are looking for simple changes or a complete room makeover.The effortless, yet dramatic, changes she suggests in her book were so easy to follow.The photos were a great visual; and motivated me to organize as well! Your home really can effect your mood and your life. This book helps to give each room a pick-me-up!

Design Made Simple
This book is terrific. It really lays out design ideas in a beautiful and engaging way, whether you are just rearranging a room, or completely redecorating it! The book is SO easy to follow. Beautiful design! I just love all the great, inspirational photos. It's such a simple concept. Who knew it could make this much difference?!? Thank you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - General    7. Interior decoration    8. Reference    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Business/Economics    3. Clothing factories    4. Clothing trade    5. Decorating - General    6. Design - General    7. Quality control    8. Quality of products    9. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    10. Technology & Industrial Arts    11. Art / Design / General    12. Clothing & footware manufacture   

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Engineering - Civil    3. Reference    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Standards, Engineering    6. Structural engineering    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. United States   

Reviews (18)

Excellent resource when researching builders
I purchased this book as part of my research during escrow on a lot where we plan to build a vacation/retirement home.Even though we would likely not serve as general contractor the information inside is invaluable.It has helped me to understand the right questions to ask during escrow (from surveyors to septic to view to laterals) to ensure the lot, county and sub-division will allow the home we envision.The chapters on foundation, windows, doors, etc are all extremely helpful when it gets down to desiging the home.I'll know what to look out for with the interior and exterior design, drainage and when dealing with the builder.
Great book!
Covering all of the main topics, this book on homebuilding is a must have for any person intent on building his or her dream home.I keep it with me all of the time for easy referral.

Voice of experience--good advice
The best part of this book is its easygoing style. Written seemingly entirely from memory, you'll understand and remember every word. The author skips the commonly available info and writes about the crucial nuts-and-bolts problems of building a house: what do you do if you've drilled a hundred foot well and come up dry? (Keep drilling.) His advice on some details, vapor barriers for example, is OK but you'll want to check the latest thinking on the topic too. Some harmless misinformation is passed along, like that Palladio, eponym for those short-tall-short windows, "invented" them. (He may have invented residential architecture, but those windows date to antiquity. In his day they were known as serliana, after the architect Sebastiano Serlio.) The scientific explanations fall a bit short, and the chapter where he disparages Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's engineering does not show him in a good light. However he does caution you that drywallers, more than any other trade, will try to rip you off with a high materials estimate. Stuff like that you can't get anywhere else. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Construction - Contracting    3. Construction - General    4. Contractors    5. Design & Construction    6. Do-It-Yourself    7. Do-It-Yourself - General    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House construction    10. Selection and appointment    11. Technology    12. Amateur's manuals    13. Architecture, Domestic    14. Building    15. Design and construction    16. Dwellings    17. Houses    18. Subcontracting    19. Superintendence   

Reviews (1)

Text book study
This book is laid out like a text book course of study, which I like, however one important thing to note is that there is no answer key for the tests.The answer key is a seperate book and I have been unable to locate it.Fortunately I work for a General Contractor and have been able to have my co-workers check my answers for accuracy.But as far as being a good source for systematic learning, this book definitely is. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Drafting & Mechanical Drawing    3. Drawings    4. Dwellings    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Structural drawing    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades    10. Technology: General Issues   

Reviews (6)

Great Story
I liked the fonts used quite a bit, but the story was slow at times. There was almost no charicter development and the plotlines were dated. Still, the surprise ending does what it intends.

Codes are Codes but Your Service is the Best
IRC Codes are as the say "standard". It is good to have a single code book for residential building. However, the ability to go to one location, click on what I need when I need it, and have it delivered at a reasonable price where I need it...is the best.

Building Code - 2003
Very good reference book for understanding the details of what the building inspector is using for acceptance criteria.Not for the novice, unless you have a good dictionary available.It does leave some of the minute details in the referenced industry standards (National Electric Code, ANSI standards, etc.).Provdes an excellent way to communicate specifics with the general contractor/builder. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Directories    3. House construction    4. Reference    5. Standards    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades   

Reviews (2)

Look no further!
This is the best book currently available on roof cutting.It is enhanced through the authors extensive experience and inspirational passion for his craft.It is written for those who already have an understanding of framing and would like to grow in their knowledge.The layout makes it an easy to use quick reference guide for the particular aspects one might wish to inform themselves about on any given day.
Only book you need
I have been in construction for about 5 years, and almost all of the roofs I have worked on are truss roofs. I am interested in getting into roof cutting/stacking, so I have been buying a few books. But this is the only book you need. Everything is explained very well, with a lot of pictures. And he gives a lot of techniques that can be used. The author himself used to be a production roof cutter, one of the best in the business. Out of all the roof framing books, the only other one I have bought that I plan on keeping is the roof framer's bible. It is a very handy little book to have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architect-designed houses    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Design and construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Framing (Building)    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General    9. Roofs   

Reviews (2)

Excellent insight for Seamstress
I had been searching through all of the sewing books I could find to learn more about the nature of fabric and fibers...and everything I could possibly want to know was here, and more. Absolutely fascinating. It is a textbook, but was written clearly enough that anyone with an interest in the area can easily understand it. I've been teaching classes to costumers and members of the local American Sewing Guild, who are equally impressed with the knowledge we got from this book.

Connecting Textiles and Science
I use this book as the text for teaching a basic textiles course for sophmores.This text provides a sound foundation for students understanding the textiles and the science foundations that are the base for predicting textile performance.Every line is packed with information; there is no fluff in this book.If you want to understand WHY textiles and textile products perform in specific ways, this is the book to buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Manufacturing    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Textile Industries    8. Textile fabrics    9. Textile fibers    10. Textile industry    11. Textiles & Polymers    12. Art / Design / General    13. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms   

Reviews (24)

Prolific Excellent Sewing Room Tips
Being in the process of creating a sewing space, I am thrilled to find a book so filled with wonderful suggestions! There are things I'd never thought to consider but are vital to the creation of a wonderfully functional sewing space. The reader will love the personal touch the author brings to her writing, drawing the reader into each page filled with great tips and brilliant ideas. Buy this book!!
A little unimpressed
Maybe the word dream confused me I was expecting a little more creativity in the spaces. The spaces look very outdated and did not offer a lot of variety as far as alternatives to having a lot of cabinetry in your sewing space. It did, however, have some great storage ideas in the book. Overall I am a little disappointed because I was looking more for ideas onsewing spaces and did not end up with any.

Great Book
This book was great, it was extremely helpful in helping me find more space in an area that I thought was hopeless. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Design and construction    4. Equipment and supplies    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Remodeling & Renovation - General    8. Sewing    9. Workshops    10. Handicrafts    11. Home & House Maintenance   

Reviews (10)

Less is most definitely more
In this astonishing book, which is filled with wonderful ideas, as well as being a beautiful coffee table book, we are granted an inside look at a truly new concept in home design in our age of teardowns and mega-mansions, a concept that smaller can be more satisfying than larger, if properly done. Here we are presented with something seldom viewed these days, how to make a house a home. There is something for every taste herein, and it is even multi-cultural, with oriental viewpoints as well on both furniture and flow of the home. Spend some time with this excellent book to see how every size home can be made more personal and beautiful, no matter what the budget.

Great as always!
Sarah books are a staple in my books of design collection. I refer to them frequently. She has a wonderful sense of design as it relates to organization, usefullness,and asthetically pleasing. I wish more designers and architects would use her sensibility and we would not be over run with all the hideous, vapid,mac mansions everywhere. I would reccommend all of her books without hesitation.

Inside the Not So Big House
I love this book and read through it often.It's a wonderful coffee table book but also has real concepts you can apply to your own remodel or decorating.It has given us our inspiration for remodeling our family room.Check out her other books as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Detail    2. Architecture    3. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    4. Design & Construction    5. Details    6. Do-It-Yourself    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Interior Design    10. Interior Design - General    11. Interior architecture    12. Room layout (Dwellings)    13. Small houses    14. DIY    15. Home furnishing & decoration    16. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (3)

very informartive!
This book contains allot of basic information on draping. The instructions are thorough and are acompanied by visuals, for extra comprehension. It also has a section dedicated to draping knits, a real plus! My understanding of the draping method, and therefore my skill, has improved on account of this book.

Exactly what you need to know
I studied at FIT in NY, and this was required reading for my first draping course.It seems that a careful read of this book alone could have taught me what I needed to know.It takes practice, but boy, if you want perfect results, follow this book to the letter and it will get you there!

It was excellent
beautifu ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Decorating - General    4. Design - General    5. Dressmaking    6. Fashion    7. Fashion design    8. General    9. Pattern design    10. Textile Fabrics    11. Art / Design / General   

Reviews (4)

Wonderful Book
As the other reviewers have indicated, this is really a wonderful book.Page after page of spectacular eye-candy.Uplifing, gorgeous interiors. A must-have for anyone who needs some decorating inspiration.

Amazing book, incredible designers!
I am floored by the interior design of Diamond Baratta and this book is filled with page after page of incredible rooms. Even if your own taste is more on the mild side--check out this book because it could very well convert you to bringing pizzazz and excitement into your own home. Highly recommended!

Best decorating book I've ever bought!
I have clipped Diamond and Baratta pictures from magazines for years. But nothing prepared me for the arrival of their first book!
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Diamond Baratta Design, Inc.    4. History    5. Interior Design    6. Interior Design - General    7. Interior Design - Professional Reference    8. Interior decoration    9. Themes, motives    10. United States    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (12)

Best Bungalow Book
Together writer Jane Powell and photographer Linda Svendsen create the best bungalow books on the market.Whether you are thinking of remodelling your kitchen, changing a few details, or just want to understand the history of your kitchen, this is the book to buy.

Oh man, more than just a pretty picture book
This wonderful book also has great vintage photos and a HISTORY of why the small kitchen was such a big deal and how it evolved! Lots of good detail and information for the old house aficionado.
Cool Kitchens
This book contains an excellent collection of photos of Arts & Crafts period kitchens.It discusses the philosophy of design Gustav Stickley and others advocated and shows you the results, which are still beautiful, even after all these years.It is a little short on detail, if you wanted to reproduce the look of the Arts & Crafts kitchen, but it does spark the imagination.The examples of various kitchens is broken down by designer, so it is easy to pick out their specific design influence.I found this book an inspiration for some of the designs I would like incorporate in my own home, and combined with some other books of design details, it is excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. History    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Kitchens    7. Reference    8. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    9. United States    10. Architecture / Decoration & Ornament    11. DIY    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. Interior design