Reviews (4)

Spanish Architecture a la Florida is Different than California
The first town in the New World was in Florida and it was a Spanish town. Since then the Spanish influence on the arthitecture and culture of Florida has been large.
book review
we are having a new villa style home built and have gotten many wonderful ideas from the camera art in this book.page after page of wonderful spanish/mediterranean homes are pictured in this beautiful volume.

Spanish Mansions Oh My!
In my hunt for more information on Spanish Style homes, (I own a bungalow in California), I have been frustrated at the limited amount of books out there.I work at a Library, and many of the patrons share the same frustrations.In order to be able to find books on these subjects, I have had to self-teach about the many surrounding subjects; ie, tiles, Mexico, Moorish, Morocco, Spain, etc.This book is one of the better ones.It has beautiful pictures on how to decorate and landscape.I learned that air-conditioning changed architecture in a substantive way.I had also never heard about concrete ceilings made to look like wood before, apparently a Florida staple, due to humidity.These houses are oh-my-Gorgeous!The only problem was that the author frequently discussed beautiful rooms and details of the houses, then didn't show pictures.Maybe/hopefully, they're saving those pics for a follow-up book on interiors and details?I agree with the previous reviewer, how about a book now on Florida Spanish bungalows? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. History - Specific Styles    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design    7. Vernacular Architecture    8. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (6)

My new decorating bible
I adore this book. I found a copy of it mysteriously in my office (I'm a set dresser) and it has completely overhauled my beliefs in decorating. The pictures are feasts for your eyes... There's just so much to look at, all layered so perfectly. I can't wait to create my own lofted bed, my own hooshes, and mysteriously curtained nooks. I feel like I finally fit into a design catagory.
Close-to-realistic decorating
I have mixed feelings about this book, despite the 5 stars. I don't actually like clutter myself. I take its presence as a sign that somebody needs to tidy up and/or throw a few things out.
Not for the faint of heart
Upfront here:If you're the sort who likes to have your space organized, if you dislike the shabby, the thrift store look, the impression of disrepair, do not bother with this book.Purcell leans heavily on the idea that interior fantasy is built up of layers of eccentric, aged, lived-in objects and artifacts, and the result, while remarkable, is not going to be to everyone's taste.Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior decoration    7. Interior design    8. Residential Interior Design    9. Home furnishing & decoration   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. House & Home    4. House & Home / Decorating    5. Interior design   

Reviews (2)

Addressing Flowers
Ron Morgan is an artist, an assemblage artist, who substitutes paint brushes and oils and canvases with living flowers and the components of still life. In this magnificently illustrated book Morgan shares his famous skills in the most congenial way, allowing us as viewer to appreciate his artworks by sharing the materials with which he works.
An enthusiastically recommended source of inspiration
In the Company of Flowers presents masterpieces of floral arrangement and table setting by legendary floral designer Ron Morgan. Over 180 full-color photographs on every page, some of them two-page spreads, reveal 60 unique table settings that incorporate flowers, fine silverware, and centerpieces into breathtaking examples of transient beauty. The photographs speak for themselves; In the Company of Flowers has very little text, aside from a few words by Ron Morgan, a synopsis of the materials and containers used for each table setting, and a handful of tips about caring for flowers. An enthusiastically recommended source of inspiration, and a restful work of wonder that invites the reader to simply page through its contents. Also highly recommended is Morgan's previous volume of centerpieces, "The Center of Attention".
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Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Flower Arranging    5. House & Home    6. Tablesetting    7. House & Home / Decorating   

Editorial Review

Radiant color is not merely joyously prevalent in Mexico, it is part of the national psyche. According to this energetic celebration of Mexican style, "the color that floods Mexico's streets and plazas, markets and homes (and the pages of this book) is language and metaphor--a form of communication, deeply bound to experience. Day and night, birth and death, rich and poor, feast and famine: color is always there. Earth, sky, and history conspire to make it so." The profusion of multihued walls, tiles, ceramics, textiles, and folk art that fill the home; the riotous juxtapositions ofvivid foods, flowers, supplies, and accessories that comprise the spectacle of the marketplace; the vibrant details that define everything from facades to clothing to handpainted toys--the Mexican obsession with color is everywhere, as is strikingly documented in this lively book. Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Color Theory    3. Color decoration and ornament    4. Decorating - General    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Decorative arts    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Interior decoration    10. Interior design    11. Mexico    12. Architecture / General    13. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    14. Photographs: collections   

Reviews (1)

Full of New Ideas!
I'm addicted to Christmas books & magazines, so I wasn't sure if I'd really find anything new or unique in this book.This is the first Gooseberry Patch book I've ever looked through, so I can't comment on how it compares with other G.P. editions, but I did find many cute and clever craft ideas and recipes that were new to me.One idea I plan to try is the Framed Hankie Card Holder that uses a wood frame and 3 Christmas-themed hankies to create pockets to hold received cards (sounds odd, but it's cute).Other ideas I liked for my home using red & white fabrics and holiday-themed tea towels include a Quilt, Tea Towel Gift Bags, Table Runner & Chair Back Covers.A clever gift for kids to make is a covered chip can filled with chocolate-dipped potato chips (the kind of chips that all have the same shape and line up in a tall can).Lots of snowflake-themed gifts, a few pet gifts, wrapping and card ideas.Plus, there are dozens of great, new recipes for food gifts, holiday meals and entertaining (hot drink mixes, decadent desserts, soups, and some new side dish combinations). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Decorating - General    6. Entertaining - General    7. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    8. Seasonal   

Reviews (13)

Worthwhile
This is a special book.It is a wonderful guide to the emotional quality we create in our homes.It is practical yet transforming.Highly recommended!

A LIGHT BULB MOMENT BOOK
The Emotional House is no ordinary design book.Doing the exercises inside will set off a series of light bulb moments for anyone who tries them.This book offers amazing action plans and goal-setting exercises that go way beyond designing. There are plenty of good design techniques too (I really enjoyed the colour therapy and personal style exercises) but it was learning about the emotional functions of rooms that was the real eye-opener.I finally understood some of the issues in my home and fixed them.
The Emperor's New Age Clothes
Based on the other reviews, I was eager to read this book. What a disappointment! The decorating advice is the same as every other book: declutter, have comfortable chairs with reading lights, hang some art, put kitchen things where you use them, design your home for you, not based on decorating magazines. What differentiates this book is that the standard material is wrapped in New Age 'spiritual' veils and tassles, so a room now has an "altar" instead of a "focal point." This lingo might have some value in knocking people into thinking about what they truly want in a home, but if you already have a comfortable home, you won't learn anything new here. ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

So beautiful and filled with ideas
Until I got this book, my favorite decorating book in the last year or so was French Influences. This book is in the same vein as French Influences, but it is shot in what look to beAmerican homes. The European styledecorating ideas are translated for you. Not only do I love this book, but so many of my friends pick it up and want it when they come over that I've started giving it as birthday and wedding gifts.

Romance for American homes
I had to write my own review because I just read a review from someone who said that the book was about European interiors (or something like that). The book is clearly photographed in American homes and is full of romantic ideas that I can use here in the northeast. I can easily translate the ideas in the book using new furniture and decorative accessories from local stores and from some of my favorite catalogs (like Ballard Designs and Rue de France).

What's missing are the "details" ...
If you're expecting a DIY 'how-to' of Romantic Style, you will not find it in the pages of this book. Granted, it is filled with beautifully-breathtaking photos of all of the homes showcased but, if you're looking for the "real" how-to "details," they're sorely missing.Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Interior decoration    7. Interior design    8. Psychological aspects    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating    11. House maintenance    12. romantic   

Reviews (10)

Excellent Book
The Better Homes & Gardens book "Fireplace Decorating & Planning Ideas" is an excellent book. We are building a new home, and were looking for fireplace designs for ideas. There is also a lot of "how to" information, in which we weren't particularly interesed, but the book gave us some good ideas. An even better book, for our application, which we ordered at the same time, is a Schiffer Book by Melissa Cardona entitled "The Fireplace Design Sourcebook" It has more photographs, and an enormous variety of fireplace designs to peruse.

The Best Fireplace Book
This is the best fireplace book I have seen.First of all the book has hundreds of beautiful and varied fireplace pictures.The pictures are great because they show the fireplaces in the home, decorated, and with the home furnishings around them.They are all warm and inviting although very different.The text of the book flows well also.First it helps even a novice decorator find the styles that work with your personality and home.Then it breaks down fireplace ideas by the different living areas in the house.

Fireplace: Decorating and Planning Ideas
My wonderful brother built a beautiful fireplace mantel and surround for me. I got my inspiration from this great book. I also use it for ideas for decorating the mantel - I love to change the look often. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Fireplaces    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior decoration    7. House & Home / Decorating    8. House maintenance    9. fireplace   

Reviews (3)

Well Written and Expert Photography
The perfect reference book.Judith knows her stuff and doesn't mince words when trying to relate distinctive styles.Expert comparisons and differences between periods and countries.Superb photography.

Abrams Period Styles for Interiors
Beautifully conceived and designed, with great images and concise cogent texts.An engaging introduction to elite furniture and interior styles.

fantastic
a beautiful and intricatelook at the period styles from the baroque to modern looks.Very interesting and high quality pictures. I also liked the inclusion of palettes and swatches. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Design & Construction    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. History    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior decoration    10. Reference    11. Remodeling & Renovation - General    12. Residential Interior Design    13. Architecture / Interior Design    14. Architecture / Reference    15. Home furnishing & decoration    16. Interior design   

Reviews (5)

Clever Ideas
This book is full of clever ideas and shortcuts. I only hope that I will remember to look them up when I can make use of one of them. As you look through it you will constantly think -- Why didn't I think of that? I never buy the magazine, so these were all new to me.Even if you have seen these tips before, it might be valuable to buy this book anyway as a convenience.You are probably more apt to use these shortcuts if they are compiled into one book rather than spread through a dozen magazines. I hope Martha comes out with more books like this one.

Lots of pictures and short tips
I read a copy fo this book from the library,but I liked it.I am a photo person ,so anything with pictures works for me.This books has lots of pretty pictures and tons of tips,mostof which are no-cost tips. I love MARTHA STEWART !!

Great, useful, and not at all cheesy.
A great book with very practical and inexpensive ideas for all kinds of homekeeping. I am not as type-A as Martha, but you've got to hand it to her - her books are useful, inspiring and usually quite practical (unless it's a craft project - I mean, PLEASE, like I am going to make my own acorn placesetting things). I only rate it 4 stars because I wish there had been more ideas in the book - her books tend to leave you wanting more ideas since what is presented is usually quite good.
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Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home economics    7. House & Home    8. House & Home / General   

Reviews (1)

Thought provoking
Since my home was demolished in the hurricane, I have been thumbing through the likes of Veranda, In Style and other similar magazines, seeking ideas about color, arrangement and "style". Though this isn't an "idea book" with gadgets and wall paper, it offers something that is missing from most of my current reading. It opens your mind with philosophy and helps you get to the core of what you really want your home to be. It helped me focus on the important aspects of a home.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating - General    3. Interior Design - General    4. Interior decoration    5. Life skills    6. Psychological aspects    7. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (7)

Dream Book
This book will set your imagination on fire and motivate you to turn your ordinary backyard into a mini-paradise. Lots of pictures to drool over, you will find yourself thumbing thru it again and again..

Outdoor Rooms
This is a great "thumb thur" book. It has really nice pictures of outdoor areas that are very "architectural".... Not helpful for the "average joe" looking for ideas to create your own backyard/outdoor patio/room.

Great for Entertaining Types
If you need ideas on how to create outdoor spaces for entertaining - this book is for you.Dining, lounging, dining, lounging...Even different photos of the same patio have different place settings on the tables to give you dining ideas.After a while, I began looking for spaces where you could do something other than dine, or lounge.Overall, nice photos of nice outdoor spaces, but limited appeal. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Interior Design - General    5. Landscape    6. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - Patios & Decks    7. Greenhouses, conservatories, patios   

Reviews (10)

Kitty Rocks!
This is a fabbook full of great tips, beautiful rooms and commonsense! Absolutely LOVED it !!!Worth every penny!

Kitty once again comes through!
I have followed Kitty for a number of years and am continuously amazed by her talents and ideas.Though I have not had a chance to read the book cover to cover, am thrilled to have one of her books for reference, as she covers all aspects in need to know decorating.

Like a breath of fresh spring air
I'm loving this book. It's full of logical,commonsense, rational advice on making your home look and feel good to your and your family. There are no trends, no being too cool, no trying to show off. This book and this philosophy is what I've needed to get my house feeling better. Kitty is obviously very grounded and very intelligent, as well as being good with her hands. I recommend this book if you want to make your home feel good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Handicraft    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. House furnishings    7. Interior Design - Style Books    8. Interior decoration    9. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (4)

A focus on 'milestone' birthdays from one to one hundred
BIG BIRTHDAYS: THE PARTY PLANNER CELEBRATES LIFE'S MILESTONES isn't just another birthday book for parents: it's a focus on 'milestone' birthdays from one to one hundred and provides a party planner's experience gained from planning such for famous stars and personalities. You may recognize him from his TV appearances: a fair for elegance, humor, and design lend to a party planner that pairs delicious food recipes with decorating tips. Color photos throughout capture the finished products and excitement of his approach.
a MUST read
Having a summer birthday has never been much fun, it somehow always goes uncelebrated. This year I was inspired to throw my own festivities. What was supposed to be a quick search for party ideas turned into a total body experience after delving into David Tutera's book Big Birthdays. In his book he executed and fabulously captured five birthday parties exploring the five senses (look, scent, texture, sound and taste) through each event. His tips ('Tutera Tips') were the most helpful; it was almost as if he could hear my questions and answer my thoughts concerning each party scenario. After my celebration they will have to reprint the book, Tutera's ideas were truly an inspiration. This book is a must-have for any status of event planner.

Highly Recommended
This year my grandmother ceebrated her 80th birthday, and with that, I wanted to surprise her with an elgant dinner party for some of her closest family and friends. Having never embarked on such a thing before, I set out to Amazon to find a book that would help me from beginning to end. David Tutera's latest book, Big Birthdays, gave me many great ideas. I immediately fell in love with the sophisticated White-On-White dinner party. The instructions and focus on details allowed me to easily recreate the atmosphere and ultimately throw a spectacular party!! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to host such an event and will definately look to David Tutera in the future for inspiration for another great get together! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Birthday parties    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    8. General    9. Handicraft    10. Social Situations And Conditions    11. Etiquette & entertaining    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (2)

Fireplaces (What's in Style)
Not a complete work.Covers almost no construction details, and the styles shown are in no way a complete work up of mantels.

How to easily upgrade an old fireplace
The fireplace continues to be one of the most desired amenities for new home-owners and quite justifiably considered to enhance the value of any dwelling. In What's In Style: Fireplaces, Joanne Still surveys the latest designs for traditional wood-burning masonry fireplaces, as well as clean and elegant gas unit fireplaces. Readers will discover how to easily upgrade an old fireplace to make it an energy-efficient luxury item for any room. What's In Style: Fireplaces is enhanced with more than 150 color photographs; presents an extensive variety of mantels and accessories; offers expert advice for arranging furniture and accessories to enhance fireplace living; offers tips for creating attractive mantel displays and wall groups; poses great ideas for outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas, and patio heaters; covers the latest fireplace technology in terms of efficiency, fuel, and finishes; and has an informative guide to fireplace manufacturers and associations. If you are planning to incorporate or update a fireplace into your home, begin by reading Joanne Still's What's In Style: Fireplaces! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Fireplaces    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior decoration    7. Home furnishing & decoration    8. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (7)

Boring, boring
I love cottage style and have a nice collection of books.Based on consumer reviews I bought it and boy was I disappointed.It was, to say the least, a snooze as far as the photos go.Since I cannot afford to buy a home presently, I love to get lost in the photos of a wonderfully photographed book.This is NOT one of them.

Inspirational
A sampling of cottages from across the country - backgrounds on the owners of the cottages, beautiful interior and exterior pictures and floor plans.I thoroughly enjoyed reading and looking at the pictures - very inspirational.

Cottage: America's Favorite Home Inside and Out
Excellent book, great ideas for people that have lake homes and are looking for ideas for building and decorating.Highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cottages    2. Country homes    3. Decorating - General    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design    9. Interior Design - General    10. United States    11. House & Home / General   

Reviews (1)

Surveys distinctive interiors which blend French with other international elements
Author Betty Lou Phillips is fascinated with all things French - and her French Connection hones her interests and focuses on the changing styles of French furnishings over the decades. Any involved in French style and interior design must have French Connection: it surveys distinctive interiors which blend French with other international elements, providing a survey of French designers and patrons of the arts and dual pursuits of glamour and ease in home tastes. Her history of Parisian and French flair and how it translated to home interiors makes for an outstanding introduction.
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Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration and ornament    5. France    6. History    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Influence    10. Interior Design    11. Interior Design - General    12. Interior Design - Style Books    13. Interior decoration    14. United States    15. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (3)

The ideas in Peggy's staging book work magic
Peggy recently staged our home to get it ready to put on the market.Our home was beautifully furnished and well cared for, but dated.Peggy, using the ideas outlined in her book, made suggestions of things we should do to make our home look up to date and ready to put on the market.We were amazed at the transformation that Peggy's simple changes made to our home.As a matter of fact, we liked the new look of our home so much that we would have had second thoughts about selling it if we hadn't already bought another house.
Great primer for staging your home
I loved the format of this book/DVD. The book is divided into a chapter per room, with tips on staging that room. While all of us may not have a pool house or guest quarters, the rest of the information is given in easy-to-follow checklist format. The DVD is the best part. The first part of the DVD is a little boring, but the last part (where you actually watch Peggy as she step-by-step stages a home from scratch) is extremely helpful. If you're looking for some quick and easy staging tips, this is the book/DVD combo for you. I finished the book in 30 minutes and the DVD takes 45 minutes to watch.

Fun Staging Advice!
A great guide with lots and lots of pictures... even someone without any decorating bones can use the photos and easy suggestions to make their home look like a model home. Its great cause its not a lot of boring reading, just quick bullets on what to do in each room. And if you like watching HGTV, then the DVD is fun to watch! Good Luck and have fun, I did! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture / Interior Design    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. House & Home / Decorating    6. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    7. House selling   

Reviews (23)

Excellent ideas for protection of space at home and in the office
I purchased this book based on past reviewers to help me protect my personal energy and work space in my office rather than my home.Although some of the ideas may seem far out, with repeated practice they do work.A book I think perfectly complements this one is Energy Vampires: A Practical Guide for Psychic Self-protection by Dorothy Harbour.

Wonderful for any space clearing
This book has EVERYTHING you could possibly want for any kind of space clearing.It has different ways of clearing your space as well as explaining it in plain english.It also taught me a lot about things to have in my space to make it better as well as how to have things placed.This book is a must have for having a comfortable home.

Practical space-clearing techniques
This book was full of good information for those sensitive to the energies held in buildings and objects.Lots of practical information about how to improve the feeling of your space. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Divination - General    3. Interior decoration    4. New Age    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. New Thought    7. Self-actualization (Psychology    8. Self-actualization (Psychology)    9. Body, Mind & Spirit / New Thought