Subjects:  1. Architectural design    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior decoration    9. Architecture / Design & Drafting    10. Interior design   

Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    6. Home furnishing & decoration    7. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. General    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design    6. International And Ethnic Cookery    7. Photography    8. Regional & Ethnic - Mexican    9. House & Home / Decorating    10. Mexico   

Reviews (8)

The Party Planner
This book is a definite must have! Mr. Tutera covers everthing from invitations, to atmosphere and everything in between. His hints and tips can even make a novice look like an expert. It is easy to see why his parties are so memorable. He gives you everything you need to make your party a smashing sucess!

Can't wait to plan a party
The book's great and the idea's behind each party are wonderful. I love that a scent is included to enhance the atmosphere of the party.
Grain of salt
My questions on reading this book were, "who GOES to these parties?" and "who THROWS these parties?"If you can get your mind around those questions, the book is useful.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Decorating - General    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Entertaining - General    7. Entertaining - Party Planning    8. General    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Home Management    11. Parties    12. Etiquette & entertaining    13. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (1)

Just another potpourri book...
I love interior decorating books, especially Colonial, Regency and Victorian or English Country Style.But this book covers too much territory.A few pictures of each, as well as others styles like Ranch, or French.If you are having trouble deciding on a style, this book might help you. It has lovely illustrations, but again, as it is trying to cover many different styles falling under the broad title of "Country" your information is limited.There are too many books coming out like this. Specialty books are much better.Look to Rizzoli for the best in interior decorating books, or if you want some kind of country, best buy a book that covers that one particular style.I browsed through this at the store, hoping it might make a good Christmas present for me, but it ended up back on the shelf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. United States    12. House & Home / General   

Reviews (4)

Great Addition to My Fabric Painting Resource Library
I've already collected a number of painting/dyeing/surface design books for working with fabric, and this makes an excellent addition. I don't think it could stand alone as the be-all and end-all, but it is comprehensive in the sense that the author presents all kinds of ideas and inspiration, as well as photographs and instructions/resources. The one thing I might have found more helpful would be greater detail in the steps she took to achieve certain results. Although she does offer descriptions, it seems that sometimes steps and/or details of the process are missing.

Explains why
This book is particularly strong on explaining the theories behind the different fabric types and why they react as they do to dyes and paints. Some of the instructions are very clear and good photos of stamps and other printing techniques. I found the finished items and cloth a bit messy - not really my style. But a good addition to the library.

Comprehensive
This book is wonderfully comprehensive of the latest methods for embellishing with dyes and inks.I would have liked to have seen other artists results with her techniques, but I find the technical information more than compensates. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Dyes and dyeing    5. Dyes and dyeing, Domestic    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Sewing    9. Textile Arts    10. Textile Arts - General    11. Textile fibers    12. Textile painting    13. Textile printing    14. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Clothing factories    4. Clothing trade    5. Decorating - General    6. Fashion    7. Industries - Retailing    8. Merchandising    9. Quality control    10. Quality of products    11. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    12. Technology & Industrial Arts    13. Textile And Clothing Industries (Economic Aspects)    14. Art / Design / General    15. Fashion design    16. Manufacturing industries    17. Retail sector    18. Sales & marketing   

Reviews (4)

Ideas Galore!
This is the perfect book for someone in the construction phase of their dream home. There are so many pictures providing a pletora of innovative ideas. I really liked the construction pictures that depict how a few separate pieces of molding can create a spectacular design! I'm taking the whole book to my trim guy so he can have a 'visual' of exactly what I want. I've purchased a lot of books as a first time owner/builder, and I have to say, this was certainly one of the best!

Helpful to a new realty agent.
I have found this book to be very helpful when I see architectural features in a house with which I am unfamiliar.When I am done with it, I share it with other new agents.
A Beginner's Education
I have recently bought an old house that needs lots of work.I am new to home improvement and found this book really helpful. It is well-written and the practical approach makes it very accessible.Just flicking through the pages gives you loads of ideas and inspiration.There are technical drawings for a behind-the-scenes, how-to view.The photos are accompanied by clear (and occasionally witty) captions.There's also a useful glossary.I have filled three recessed nooks with shelves and am now renovating my staircase with the help of this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Decoration and ornament, Archi    5. Decoration and ornament, Architectural, in interior decoration    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. DIY    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (4)

McMansion Style
If you like the newly built McMansion-styled homes, then this is the book for you.If you are looking for authentic French decor and tips, don't buy this book.This is no more "unmistakably French" than la Madeline food is to French cuisine.

Beautiful Book
I love all of Betty Lou Phillip's books.I really like her style - scrolled iron work, marbled tile and other beautiful touches.Some of the photos are of very extravagant homes, but they contain ideas that those of us with less imposing homes could include in our decorating.I could just sit and look through her books for hours.(Actually, I think I have!)

Much more of the same.
This book shows us several mansions, just as her other books do.They are very polished and show-roomy-think of the TV show Dynasty from the 1980's updated!The text is snobby, and it appears she doesn't intend to relate her ideas to her readers, but glorify herself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Decoration and ornament    4. France    5. History    6. Influence    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Interior decoration    10. United States    11. European studies    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. House & Home / Decorating    14. Interior design   

Reviews (1)

Lyrical Beauty
"Lacquer is a natural sap from a sumac tree...growing in southern and central China between elevations of 1200-1500 feet. Applied in layers over logs, beams and furniture, its protective qualities preserve the wood over time. And, its transparent sheen enhances surfaces, while reflecting light." ~pg. 33
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Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Asian    3. Chinese influences    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. Design - General    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior decoration    10. Residential Interior Design    11. House & Home / Decorating    12. Interior design   

Reviews (8)

An Absolute Beauty!A must read.
Such a beautiful book, recommended by our architect and builder for obtaining ideas on building a real Spanish Colonial or Revival house.The landscape designs were fantastic as well.Another reader wanted to see "beach shacks" and was disappointed by this book.I lived in Santa Barbara for 6 years and I can tell you have never traveled there.No beach shacks in Santa Barbara.Try along the eastern seaboard coastline.

Santa Barbara Style is a must have...
Santa Barbara Style is a must have for anyone who has ever had the opportunity to visit this gorgeous city. It is a wonderful reminder of the beauty and serenity that Santa Barbara has become famous for.
A lovely book on Santa Barbara architecture
As person who was born and raised in Santa Barbara, this book truly captures the beautiful architectural style and gardens of the city. Santa Barbara Style has a permanent spot on my coffee table and makes me homesick for the incredible homes and lush gardens found in Santa Barbara.This book is a must for anyone who is interested in Spanish and Mediterranean architecture.This is the true style of Santa Barbara! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. California    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Dwellings    6. Gardens    7. General    8. Historic buildings    9. House & Home    10. Pictorial works    11. Residential Interior Design    12. Santa Barbara    13. U.S. Architecture - General    14. Vernacular Architecture    15. Architecture / Interior Design    16. Photographs: collections    17. USA   

Reviews (4)

One of the best Wright books out there
This is a beautiful picture book that keeps its title's promise.Maddex actually identifies the specific FLW solutions for making small houses feel big. Her description of these solutions are well-written and aimed at appealing to the intelligent layman.Mercifully, she avoids the academic,pedantic and patronizing tone.A real pleasure.Couldn't recommend more highly.

Great book
This book is a very good analisis of the elements of Wrightian architecture. Takes the parts 1 by 1, (windows, continuity of spaces, carports, etc.) and explain the central idea of FLW.
Great pictures.Terrible text.
I think the premise of the book is right on target.FLW best work was in his small houses.They are much harder to design, build and were done so on a tight budget.The pictures of the houses in the book are fantastic.They are current day pictures versus pictures taken 10 or 20 years ago.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1867-1959    2. Architecture    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Design & Construction    6. House & Home    7. Individual Architect    8. Small houses    9. United States    10. Wright, Frank Lloyd,    11. Architecture / Individual Architect   

Reviews (3)

Charming!
This book is wonderful. I just love Draper's tone and conversational way of writing. She offers ideas for all budgets and lifestyles. Charmingly retro, with plenty of good advice for today's hostesses. I could not put it down.

THE housewarming gift for gay men
Not as important or famous as Draper's "Decorating is Fun," but her 1941 "Entertaining" book is still amusing, deserving a spot on your coffee table next to an old 1940s Emily Post Etiquette book (when is somone gonna get wise and issue reprints of THOSE?).
A fun & inspirational read
If you're looking for some new ideas, as well as a peek into entertaining during the 1940's, you'll find a lot to enjoy in this reprint of Dorothy Draper's charming guide to entertaining. With an emphasis on simple, unpretentious planning, I think it was quite ahead of its time. This might make a good hostess gift! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior decoration    9. Menus    10. Architecture / Interior Design    11. Etiquette & entertaining   

Reviews (6)

save your money
Empty square boxes; cold and modern.The flat roofs would never work in the northern climate.

Makes Me Want to Go Build a New House
I review a lot of architecture books, and this one more than most makes me want to go out and build a new house. The subject of the book is small houses. It consists of pictures and the story of some fifty houses, all of which are less than 1,300 square feet. Many of them are much less than 1,300 feet, indeed down into the 300-400 square foot size.
Quite good
This is a quite good book dealing with compact houses. I'm not totally satisfied because some of the houses represented are more an architectural exercise than houses in which living. However really good photos, nice ideas and a good rating from the quality-cost point of view. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architect-designed houses    2. Catalogs    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Design & Construction    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design    9. Interior architecture    10. Residential Buildings Architecture    11. Small houses    12. Architecture    13. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (14)

Great Book On Feng Shui PERIOD!
I practice the Black Sect Tantric Tibetan Buddhist Feng Shui method but this book covers the Compass method also. After reading this delightful little book I realized that I had many changes to do in my home. Some of the other books I have read on Feng Shui were not as clear as this one is. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who practices any type of Feng Shui because it is easy to use and understand, I do however recommend that you download a picture of the Bagua to assist you in your practice.
Great supplemental reference guide
This book is best used as a quick reference guide to Feng Shui!It's fun to read through and full of information, but it's not meant to be an introductory book for beginners.It's great as a reference though, it's super easy to look up information on the fly.

Mini Glossary
Feng Shui Dos & Taboos is like the glossary that you wish the big Feng Shui books had in the back pages.Though a little pricey for the amount of content, it's ok as a quick answer guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Feng Shui    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Personal Growth - Happiness    6. Self-Help    7. Body, Mind & Spirit / Feng Shui    8. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (1)

Charming Country Style with Chic Appeal
If you are dreaming of the country or want to redecorate your house...or even just find a few new decorating ideas, this book is filled with charming style and chic appeal. Classic and comforting designs warm the pictures as antiques add mystery and a sense of the past. Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Management    6. House & Home    7. Interior decoration    8. Home furnishing & decoration    9. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (13)

This book was better than dessert.....
Love, love, love this book!I finally feel I have the green light to decorate in the style I've always wanted.I was slightly afraid to put certain pieces out for show, but at the same time I didn't want to stash them in the closet.Everything has been set free and now I can breathe.Thank you Jonathan for your amazing talent, your fearless decorating style, and your oh, so hilarious advice on life.

very clever and entertaining!
This is a fun, entertaining read. Great pictures and stories and awesome ideas!!!

Channeling Mrs. Goldstein
So while I was sitting on the couch yesterday, sick as a dog, I noticed my partner's new Jonathan Adler design book. The cover features Jonathan perched awkwardly on a couch, surrounded by his whimsical pottery and the typical Hollywood Regency-inspired design motifs one sees repeated in design magazines these days. Juxtaposed with his his super-cool pottery designs, the cover comes across as forced, tacky, and aimed at selling the maximum number of copies to the maximum number of people. Had I not been sick and had the book not been within arm's length, I never would have cracked it open.
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Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - General    6. Residential Interior Design    7. House & Home / Decorating    8. Interior design   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Country homes    3. Decorating - General    4. Domestic    5. Interior Design - General    6. Residential Buildings Architecture    7. Residential Interior Design    8. U.S. Architecture - General    9. West (U.S.)    10. House & Home / General    11. Houses, apartments, flats, etc    12. Interior design   

Reviews (4)

Par Excellent
I first saw this book at a Baker Furniture showroom which sales the Garcia furniture line.The furniture on display did not capture the genius of Garcia which, on the other hand, the book does.I have not had the opportunity to read but a few lines from this book, as my busy schedule has not permitted. However, from what I have read, I am in for a treat.
A touts les glories de la France
Most American designers who would persuade that they present us with so called 'French' design, actually show us American interiors witha few traditional French furniture pieces thrown in the loupe - but this doesn't make them French. (Generally they come across more English country house, really; chintz et al.) Jacques Garcia is very different! He knows the traditional interiors of France as if they are tattooed blueprints on his mind; the panelling, floors, carvings, mantles, proportions, the furniture and accessories, fabrics, architecture and art - but most importantly he has that extremely rare ability to know those idiosyncratic and intangible differences, those transcendent and ethereal distinctions of the French intellect regarding aesthetics. He has found the French soul and is sharing it with you. It is not even slightly American! If you wish to know what France IS see Garcia's book!

French Opulence in Interior Design
This stunning book presents the residential and commercial work of the French interior designer Jacques Garcia.The printing quality and paper stock are superb.Though written in a subjective, praising and uncritical style, the book still provides insights into Garcia's background and design philosophy. As one who has visited Champ de Bataille, the book truly captures the beauty and grandeur of the place. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design    6. Interior Design - General    7. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (7)

Rich, complex, atmospheric
I thought this book was exceptional.
Through the Keyhole
Have you ever walked or driven past someone's home and wanted to look inside?Looking through this book is a bit like that on an international scale.The book is a beautiful work of art in itself, the presentation top class, the paper quality excellent, the binding great.It is packed with marvellous photographs of interiors, accompanied by descriptive text.What it isn't is another of those boring interior design books, filled with rooms that are painted offwhite, with large mirrors, potted palms and overstuffed sofas.This book is interior design getting real!

A Comprehensive and Sensitive Survey of Peoples and their Habitats
Stafford Cliff has collected images from all around the world and with the help of superb photographer Gilles de Chabaneix has done what few other innovators in design have done - created a book that is, yes, about design, but is equally about how climate, place, ethnicity, tradition, cultural philosophies, and history inform the decisions people make about their living environments.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture, Domestic    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Fashion    5. General    6. House & Home    7. Interior architecture    8. Interior decoration    9. Pictorial works    10. Residential Interior Design    11. Subjects & Themes - Fashion    12. House & Home / Decorating