Reviews (9)

A Very Good Textbook
This is a very helpful book for those who want to learn more of the core facts about Feng Shui. There is a lot of confusion out there about Feng Shui and it almost appears like it isn't a credible system, but Master Sang sets the records straight about what's what. My husband had hard time believeing in Feng Shui and was calling it a "superstition" untill I got the facts straight from this book and explained it to him. It all actually makes sense to me now. Thank you Master Sang for writing this book.

All the facts and none of the fantasy
The first thing you will notice if you are wanting to study 'feng shui' , is the sheer volume of publications available. Browse any book shop or 'new age' centre and you will undoubtedly see shelves upon shelves of books 'claiming' to be written by 'masters' and claiming to offer you a 'quick fix' to increase both your wealth and happiness by 'apparently' using the ancient art of Chinese Geometry (feng shui) - hang a wind chime here, a mirror there, add a bowl of water and BINGO! health, wealth and happiness are sure to follow.... Hmmm! Really?! Ever wondered why they never worked, ever wondered why they are rather thin on actual facts and formulas ('feng shui' is a science after all) - well the reason is that when the 'feng shui' badwagon rolled into town, every hippy-dippie and their wife, mother or cousin who had an inclin towards; crystals, new-age or the occult was there waving their flag ang joining in. Hence forth soon you couldn't see the real for the false, the masters for the charlatans, and all confusion broke out. The people you were inviting in to 'read' your homes were largely un-qualified or possessed the mere basics, and so their 'cures' seldom worked. Step forth 'modest' Master Larry Tsang to put things straight. I am not saying that if you are of Asian descent you know more that 'westerners' - not at all, but what I am saying is bring forth a modest man, immensely knowlegable, a man who understands this science inside out, back to front AND upside down, see a man such as this and you KNOW he speaks and writes the truth.
ok but info is not organized well
The strength of this book is that it describes fairly well external features in the environment and how they affect the feng shui of the house. However this only covers eight mansion style, not flying star feng shui.The weakness of the book is that the information is not organized well and is confusing to decipher, especially if it is the first feng shui book you read. When so many other excellent books on compass feng shui are currently on the market there's little reason to consider getting this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. House & Home / Decorating    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Decorating    4. Feng shui    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design    7. New Age   

Reviews (1)

A beautiful tour of classic design
Popular and abundant a century ago, the bungalow is today enjoying a renaissance as people discover the craftsmanship, utility, and charm of these little gems. Whether you're living in a masterfully maintained bungalow, are interested in restoring a bungalow to its former glory, or just a fan of good architectural or furniture design, Paul Duchscherer and Douglas Keister's "Bungalow Basics" series has a lot to offer.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Bungalows    3. Decorating - General    4. Design - Decorative    5. Fireplaces    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Home & House Maintenance    8. Interior design   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful and informative
Actually bought this book French Country Living by Caroline Clifton-Mogg, Christopher Drake (Photographer)as well as New French Country : A Style and Source Book by Linda Dannenberg (Author), Guy Bouchet (Photographer)and this book is really great for those of us who look for more of a French Zen style devoid of lots of tassels and furniture that you are afraid to even sit on.
The Essence of the French Culture
Outside of Paris and the other bustling cities, France's image is of small farms, atmospheric medieval villages, and of an age well past but well preserved with an understated elegance. Even newly built houses are often designed with a view towards looking like the 19th century.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - Style Books   

Reviews (12)

Excellent
I loved this book and although I would have liked more instruction on painting some of his illusions, I am quite happy with what the author did include.Great photos of his completed works.

Very inspiring
I found this to be a wonderful book and will give it often as gifts.

Just Okay
I mistakenly thought this was a Graham Rust book. I don't buy this type of book thinking I will be a grand muralist. I buy them for high-end decoupage images. I rip the book apart and use the images. This book did not meet my needs. I found the images bland. Again, I do not buy these books for the intended purpose so keep this in mind ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration and ornament    5. House & Home    6. Mural painting and decoration    7. Painting    8. Technique    9. Techniques - General    10. Trompe l'oeil    11. Decorative arts & crafts    12. Handicrafts    13. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (13)

FOR JUNKIES
Colorful picture book boasts fine loving photographs of junk collected in American junk shops by the author, a self confessed junk junkie. The minimal text is sometimes awkward, the author is a more accomplished photographer than she is a writer, and the hundreds of photos are brilliant eye-catching motifs of both, truly collectible antiques and other people's garbage, like amateur paint-by-numbers paintings of dogs. Although the author pays very little for her vast array of objects; $20.00 seems to be the average price,she seems to purchase a home every time she runs out of space to display her treasures, and her constant references to places like "the summer home in Millenton" become a bit daunting.

Great Pictures, Few Ideas
This book was great on pictures--pictures that showed the "after" of transforming junk.The book, though, lack information on exactly to transfer that junk.It did not get down to the "down and dirty." I have seen better information given on the television show, Decorating Cents, on HGTV. Fun to Give and Receive
American Junk is not a how-to book as its subtitle suggests.Far more specific advice about hunting and haggling is available in flea market directories, and there really is no rescue or transformation involved: items acquired move directly to the table top, shelf, desk, floor, wherever.This is a celebration of cheap old stuff that others might ignore or take pains to avoid, an annointment of its value by someone of influence (the author is a vice president at Ralph Lauren, I believe). It's a quasi aesthetic, with loving photographs of the items in assembled in haphazard tableaus.It is of an innocent age, published before e-bay seized collectibles from the trash, before absolutely everybody got into flea market hunt, before Antiques Roadshow--and that was less than 10 years ago! The author does not explain to a doubter's satisfaction how one lives and cleans with so much stuff.Not all of it is really junk, of course--a vintage set of Zane Grey novels, some folk art carving, old textiles are not what I'd call junk.Dirty old Tupperware or small harvest gold appliances that no longer work are what I call junk and they are not to be found in this book. Ah, well; it is fun to give or receive, but take the author's approach and try to get it cheap. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Decorating - General    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. House furnishings    8. Interior design    9. Secondhand trade    10. United States    11. Antiques & Collectables    12. Antiques & Collectibles / General   

Reviews (1)

Ideas for Exquisite Living
"The stonework is hand chiseled and laid in an organized pattern, with wide chinking and wooden accents. Wood-framed windows deep-set in very thick walls purposely shade the rooms from the hot Mediterranean sun yet swing open easily to direct the sea breeze throughout." ~ pg. 108, Stone Casitas
Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architectural Design    3. Architecture    4. Architecture, Domestic    5. Architecture, Modern    6. Decorating    7. Decorating - General    8. Design & Construction    9. House & Home    10. Interior Design - General    11. Interior Design - Style Books    12. Interior decoration    13. Mediterranean influences    14. Residential Interior Design    15. House & Home / Decorating    16. The Arts: General Issues   

Reviews (1)

Ooh, I just couldn't wait for this book!
Well, it finally was released.I was so excited to see that this book was on the way and I certainly haven't been disappointed.I just love all the decorating ideas in this book - my husband grabbed it and off he went to the store to buy the stuff it recommends.Sure was beautiful when he was done.This book makes decorating elegantly so very beautiful for the holidays, and it just gives you so many nice ideas.But, the RECIPES!Yikes!Better buy those elastic waisted pants because you'll need them after these awesome dishes.You know it's bad when you want to start with the first recipe and just make everything else afterwards.That's how it is with this book.It's really that good!You won't be disappointed with this book.I just love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas cooking    3. Christmas decorations    4. Cookery    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Crafts & Hobbies    7. Decorating - General    8. Handicraft    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    11. Interior Design    12. Seasonal    13. Southern States   

Reviews (4)

Not worth it
The book had very little to do with organization.It dealt with how to declutter your home, but it did not explain how to reassemble it when all of the junk was removed.Also, only half of the book was dedicated to organization.The other half contained pictures of rooms that Mr. Lowell and company designed.It is more like a picture book than anything else.

Where there is Fear, there is Clutter!!!
Mr. Lowell never ceases to amaze me. I was so inspired by this book that I am now in the process of reassessing and reorganizing my entire house!! And I am having fun doing it which is great. This book offers a completely painless, supportive place to change your pack-rat ways!!
Excellent as always
Once again, Christopher Lowell goes beyond the technical side of design and organization and gives advice to those of us whom don't have a background in interior design.As a Interior Design student, I found that Christopher takes the technical side of organization and makes it "real" again.His views and eye for things is excellent, as always, and makes taking control of our environment easy and effective with step by step ideas and methods instead of putting things in a grand scope, which is how we became disorganized to begin with. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home Maintenance And Repair    7. House & Home    8. House cleaning    9. Interior Design    10. Storage in the home    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / General   

Reviews (16)

Very Happy
I am totally satisfied with the book that I purchased PERFECT in every way

Great reference book
This is a must have for most polymer artists. The projects in teh book show you just how versitle this clay can be. It makes a great reference for projects of your own as well

Wonderful Book!
This is the best book I've read yet on faux surfaces on polymer clay!Instructions are given in good step-by-step format that even someone new to polymer clay can follow!Irene really outdid herself with this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clay    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. Resin & plaster work (moulding & casting)    11. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (5)

Operation Organized
Operation organized . . . one of the services I offer through my interior decorating business.This book is full of useful ideas, information, suggestions, advice and of course examples and photos!I own several organizing books and this is my favorite and the one I recommend to clients.Not only is it filled with information but it is very enjoyable to read - it makes the difficult task of organizing more enjoyable.

Organized and Easy to Follow
This book is well organized and easy to implement.It has simple steps to getting organized.I would have liked to see a few more pictures and room ideas, but overall it is an excellent guide to organizing rooms in a house.

Could not get the book
I ordered this from Amazon and they sent me the wrong book.I returned the other and requested the correct one.They could not provide it and instead offered me a partial refund... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    2. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    3. Decorating - General    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. House cleaning    9. Orderliness    10. Reference    11. Home & House Maintenance    12. House & Home / General   

Reviews (7)

Flower Arrangement as an Art Form
Paula Pryke is an artist is every sense of the word. Coming across this magnificently and luxuriously illustrated book is like discovering a famous artist new to you.The topic is 'Inspired Arrangements for All Occasion' and both the writing and illustrations certainly prove that claim to be true.
all you want to know about flower arrangement
This book has all you would like to know about flower arrangement. Starting from how the flowers make it to the market(from the growers) ,to the Common names and Latin names of the different flower species. There are superb pictures of 100s of arrangements for different occassions and step by step descriptions of how to do some of them. What I liked the most , was the last chapter called techniques, it has a thorough description of all the equipment one needs to do these elaborate arrangents. However, for a complete beginner like me , this book might seem too intense as the arrangements are quite elaborate. At any rate, it makes a good coffee table read.

Simply the Best

Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Cut flowers    3. Floral Arts    4. Flower Arranging    5. Flower arrangement    6. Flowers    7. Gardening/Plants    8. General    9. Interior Design - General    10. Floral crafts    11. Gardening / General    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. History    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior decoration    9. Residential Interior Design    10. United States    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating    13. JUVY-NON FICTION - JUVY-NON FICTION    14. Sale Books   

Reviews (62)

Beautiful Ranch
Gives alternatives to "dressing-up" a ranch home.More of a coffee table book, which will make you proud to live in a ranch home.

Disappointing
The writing is amateur and unfocused, like a fluffy magazine. The photographs are mostly of decor, not so much of architecture, and the captions are sparse. A good portion of the "style" aspect is devoted to making ranches look not like ranches. What is a pseudo French cottage doing in here?

More than a pretty face
Many coffee table books are pretty to look at but few are more than a decorative addition to a room or a bookshelf. Ranch House Style is one of the few! Smart/informative writing, gorgeous photos, and a terrific layout make this a book you want to spend time with-especially if you live in, or are thinking about living in, a ranch house. And who among us hasn't at least spent some time in one?? Katherine Samon brings us up close and personal to this ubiquitous and quintessentially American housing style, allowing a look (at the very least) into some interesting spaces, and encouraging (at the most) the creative expression of new, and old, ranch house owners! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Design & Construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Ranch houses    7. United States    8. Home furnishing & decoration    9. House & Home / Decorating    10. USA   

Reviews (4)

Unique and helpful
Excellent book to provide inspiration and ideas for selecting and mixing color schemes.Information is divided by color families.Each room has a sample color palette.In addition there is a complete section at the back of all the color palettes used so you can bring them with you when you select your paint.I refer to this book often.

Does What It Says - Great Book
This is one of the best books for helping you determine color schemes. I knew I had a winner when there was a 2-page spread called "One Room - Three Looks." The three photos show the same exact room with the only difference being the wall color. The differences were interesting, but all the rooms looked great. Color Schemes explained the effect the various color walls have on the overall look and feel of the room, thereby helping you make good decisions about selecting a color.(page 22)
My builders designer even liked it!
This book really helped me out. I was involved in building a custom home. My builder had a designer on staff for a huge fee, but I said no thanks, I'd rather spend that money on my house. I mean how hard could it be? Then I actually started looking at color charts and was I overwhelmed.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Color    2. Color in interior decoration    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Interior design    8. Home furnishing & decoration    9. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (63)

it's not your average McFeng Shui...and that's a good thing!
this book is wonderful.although i'm usually wary of books that seem to exist solely for the purpose of dumbing down a complex subject, this book provides all the background knowledge necessary to understand the feng shui approach.if you're looking for a quick-and-easy way to apply feng shui to your home/office/life, this is not the book for you.if you have an open mind and would like to understand the philosophy of feng shuit, then is book is a fabulous introduction.the authors freely admit they didn't write this book to perpetuate the "McFeng Shui" junk that's rampant out there.however, they categorize areas into 'the least you need to know' areas to understand how to apply feng shui concepts.
Too complicated
I had hoped that a book titled 'complete idiots guide to feng shui' would do all it could to simplify and explain the practice.I was very disappointed in this book, which goes into dreadfuly complex details about feng shui rather than guide you through it's practical application in your own home.Oh well.I don't recommend buying this book.

Not That Helpful
This is a book of 'technical' presentations of Feng Shui.It lacks the 'how to' of using Feng Shui in our lives.It skips past the meaningful ways to apply all that technical information into practical applications.A waste of money and time... there are much better choices than this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Decorating - General    3. Eastern - General    4. Feng Shui    5. Philosophy    6. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (3)

A glimpse inside
Wonderful.They are not all mansions, not all ethnic, just so well and individually done.I keep it on my coffee table with others in the same genre` and my guests have trouble putting it down.
Agood referance book which also serves to inspire
We are building a 4000 sq. foot straw bale home in Oakville, Ontario Canada in an adobe style.There is NOTHING in Ontario to act as inspiration and we must rely on our numerous trips to New Mexico and Arizona to inspire us in the design of our home.This book had some lovely photos that got our imaginations stirred so we would recommend it to others in our circumstance.A good book if you need inspiration and you're miles away from the southwest. Most of the photographs are well shot and beautiful. It is amongst the many books we've ordered from this site and is one of the biggest, thankfully.

BEAUTIFUL BOOK!
This is a gorgeous book with amazing glossy pictures on every page.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adobe houses    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Interior architecture    8. New Mexico    9. Residential Interior Design    10. Santa Fe    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating    13. Interior design    14. USA   

Reviews (14)

Helpful book
I found the book to be helpful, but I would have liked more "color recipes".There were ideas for all types of rooms.

Vibrantly Colored Rooms
This book has good, clear photos and include the paint brand (Glidden, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams) and color number. Always helpful when you are trying to match colors. Most of the rooms are very vibrant in color and the rooms are decorated in a mostly traditional style. Very nice book if you like vibrant colors, but my taste leans to a more subdued color palette.

THIS BOOK GIVES OUT THE COLOR NUMBERS!
I have looked at a lot of home decorating books for help with my paint colors.Many have lovely photographs, but not a one of them gives you the paint color numbers that you see on the walls of the photographed rooms, EXCEPT THIS ONE.I couldn't believe it.I was still nervous going into the paint phase, not knowing whether the colors would look as good on my walls as they do in the book.Well, let me tell you, they look even better!I am as pleased as punch.If you don't want to look through paint chips, try this book.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Color in interior decoration    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. General    7. House & Home    8. House painting    9. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (4)

great windows & walls collection
this book is a great help to my clients
A Wonderful and Beautiful Book!
Great Windows & Walls Collection has hundreds of pictures; this is a spectacular book that will help you create a gorgeous personal sanctuary with its ideas of furnishing, window treatment and wall finishes.This is an excellent book for inspiration, regardless of your own personal style.
The world's leading expert on window decorating
I pickup up this book at Barnes & Noble (not to actually buy it; just literally picked it up to look at it) and laughed out loud. It's actually kind of funny that Meredith Books thinks they can pull together some stock photography and then have their staff toss in some text and voila! The public will buy another one of their dogs. I am always amazed that people actually spend hard earned money on stock photo books. Some publishers get pretty good at pulling old photos, out-of-print book photos, photos from their other books that didn't sell and try once more to dupe the public. Not that this is being done here, but the book seems old even though it is new. Why not go to Barnes & Noble or Borders and look at it yourself. You be the final judge, not the marketing blitz from the publisher. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Draperies in interior decoration    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Valances (Windows)    9. Windows in interior decoration    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (5)

beautful book
usuful hints but not possible for me.who lives in Iceland and our shells are not so exotic.Still I try to buy some,when I am abroud. I got lots og useful hints from and ideas his beautiful, which isreally sweet for the eyes elvasigvalda@hotmail.com

Shellatious
Whether you craft or only crave shells, this book will do it for you.This book provides inspiration whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or merely an admirer of shelled creations.The range is from the extraordinary to the amusing to the out of this world.

absolutely beautiful!
This is the most beautiful book I've ever seen. Whether you like making things with shells or just love the beach, you'll be inspired by page after page of unique and even elaborate uses for shells in the home. It will leave you craving the ocean and inspired to do beautiful things. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. General    6. House & Home    7. Shellcraft    8. Shells    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. HOUSE & HOME / Decorating    11. Handicrafts   

Reviews (1)

Great Faux Book
This book contains some very interesting faux techniques. The finishes require various skill levels from beginner to advanced. Many use various products on the market, i.e. Lusterstone and Aqua products. The more complex projects must be done over several days to allow time for base coats, textures, Lusterstone, etc to dry. The pictures are gorgeous. The steps are clear and easy to understand.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Finishes and finishing    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. House painting    7. Texture painting    8. Home furnishing & decoration