Reviews (3)

Easy to follow!
This book is excellent! The author shows you step by step what you need to do to reupholster your piece of furniture. I used this book and was able to quickly learn what I needed to do to reupholster an old chair I own and looked like I bought a new chair from the store when I was finished. Since then, I have had family and friends asking me where I bought the "new chair!" I recommend this book to anyone wishing to do the same.

Full of VERY HELP information
Although a book could never substitute seeing first hand, how upholstery is done, this book provides very detailed information.The photos are dated, but the process of the work is not and very clearly explained.Definitely a good reference book to have for anyone learning upholstery who might need additional information.

An excellent starting point
This book is well written, concise, and easy to follow.It is especially good for first-timers as the authors take you through many steps most beginners do not consider. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Furniture    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Reference    7. Upholstery    8. Furniture & cabinetmaking    9. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (7)

2004 Writers Notes Book Award Winner
Thumbnail photographs allure the senses. Historical sketches enrich our understanding. Holistic solutions provide remedies. It's all about color-the history, psycho-logy, and application of the pigments that define our environment. Ms. Friedmann is a syndicated columnist who received the coveted Aurora Award for Interior Design. She's interested in the color that suits you. Color affects us like the temperature or air quality. Take a moment to understand what you can handle and what you need, and then build a home around it using Mystery of Color.

Mystery of Color
How can one book have so much useful information? This book does an amazing job of covering all the bases of color. I like the history of color, how color heals, why we like certain colors better than others, the psychology of color...well, like I said, the book covers all the bases. And as a bonus, it includes many useful decorating tips. It is also a georgous book to just have sitting out on a cocktail table.

Mystery of Color
I was looking for help in deciding what colors to use for decorating my new home. I chanced upon this book and found a treasure.This is truly a great book on color. It helped me see why I like certain colors and how to put those colors to best use. I love it. I'm very glad I bought it and have reommended it to many of my friends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture / Interior Design    3. Decorating - General    4. General    5. Color    6. Interior Design    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior decoration    9. Psychological aspects   

Reviews (2)

Great resource for aspiring decorators
This book provides all the ins and outs of becoming an interior decorator - primarily starting your own business. There are a few brief sections on how to decorate, but the real value is in the very thorough information provided for getting into this field.It's an invaluable resource for those wanting to start their own decorating business.

Great for all the basics
This is great for anyone getting started in the decorating business.It's quick and easy reading, and briefly covers all the important concepts, such as styles, design elements, working with customers and shopping for products, and includes many references to websites and books for more detailed information you might want on a given subject.It touches briefly on a surprising amount of information, but shouldn't be used for in depth how-to advice on things such as floors, fabrics, window treatments, etc.This is great, though, if you're just getting started, as it gives you what you'll need without being long winded or confusing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Careers - General    2. Careers - Job Hunting    3. Careers / Job Opportunities    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. Decoration & Ornament    7. House & Home    8. Reference   

Reviews (4)

Playing In the Shadows
In another book I recently read of the importance of shadows in the domestic architecture of Japan.Openings aren't created simply to provide light, they are used t leave part of a room dim and private and to provide illumination only exactly where needed.The photography in Japanese Style (by Gilles de Chabaneix) captures this beautifully, even as the writers focus on other possible threads. Well worth the price
Because we are in the process of designing and building a Zen Danish (as we call it) new home I purchased this wonderful book in order to get some specific ideas. Of special interest are the similarities between the Danish and Japanese styles that we love. Excellent Book, Beautiful Photography
This has got to be one of the best "Style" Books ever published. Excellent examples of architecture, beautiful interior design, and superb photography. Just the right juxtaposition of traditional and modern. Each of the major sections has both Japanese and Western Styles. Normally this would not mix, had it been contrived, but all of the examples in the book are real houses where people live and work. No Architectural Digest type of Houses that look artificial and posed are to be found in this book. My favorites are the tranditional Japanese houses of which there really great examples. This book can give you hundreds of ideas for decorating your house tastefully. The photography really does justice to these houses and the subtle aesthetics of the Japanese Style.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Decorating - General    4. Domestic    5. Foreign influences    6. History    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Interior Design    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Japan    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. House & Home    5. Human factors    6. Interior Design - General    7. Interior architecture    8. Office decoration    9. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. Interior design   

Reviews (6)

painting secrets
Great book.However, one of the pictures had been neatly cut out.

Lot's of Good Tips
This book was very good...many interesting ideas & tips that one would only hear about from a person that was painting regularly & had tried many things by personal trial & error.This book is great for the novice, as well as one who's been painting awhile...but needs the inside scoop & new shortcuts etc.I read the other book Mr. Santos put out called "Faux Finish Secrets" which doesn't measure up to this one...& quite frankly...contains MUCH duplicate information. Save yourself the money & just get this one...get another source book for Faux Finishes that covers more finishes in greater depth etc.

Best Painting Book
I was so impressed with Painting Secrets from Brian Santos that I bought one for my friend and mother-in-law. The ideas that are in the book are so practical and made so much sense to me that I sat there saying "Wow". I've tried his method for removing wallpaer and it worked like a charm. I can hardly wait to get his new book Faux Finish book. Everyone should have this book in their home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Plastering And Painting    7. Home furnishing & decoration    8. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself    9. House maintenance   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. Decoration and ornament    4. Decoration and ornament, Frenc    5. France    6. General    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Interior Design    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Themes, motives    12. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (1)

Full color up to date kitchen ideas!!!
This is the book we were searching for!It's loaded with pictures of up to date kitchen ideas.We are planning on redoing our kitchen and this book will be very helpful!I think it is well worth the price! ... Read more

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

Reviews (19)

Fantastic book
I loved this book.The authors show a real sense of humor and the things they make from recycled materials are all class.They show a variety of settings and how to make your "junk" fit into each one.I rate this book right up there with Carter's Garden Junk, one of my favorite books.

Junk Market Idea Bank
The authors recently created a new magazine called Junk Market Style. I happened to purchase that and noticed the advertisement for their book. The book is a pictorial of ideas with details on how to do it yourself. It gets the reader to visualize things in a different format. It is a book for collectors, lovers of shabby Chic style, antiquers and even recyclers. I do recommend it.

It Should Be Called "Evironmental Design"
A delightful book with a number of unusual ideas.Sue and Ki,
Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Wabi-Sabi, Huh?????
In answering the question of what Wabi-Sabi means to me, I have to go with the concept that less is more, and it really doesn't matter if the expense of doing something is astronomical or well within one's budget. What does it all say abut you and what your attempting to achieve? Are you talking about your home, your life style, your neighborhood and or your friends and family? What will tell everyone and anyone who just walks in off the street that you are practicing Wabi-Sabi? How can they see that you are not being a whacko or over extravicant andare just showing you that life can be what is just right for you and your place of abode and not be the perfect place to beat all perfection?
A good organizational reference book
There is so much beauty in simplicity.This book offers many helpful suggestions in how to simplify your decor and your life.

A wonderful book!
I have told everyone I know to get this book as a starter to the world of Wabi-Sabi-- a beautiful cover also makes it lovely to look at and I like the sepia pages... I have re-examined my life using some of her practical tips.Get it if you are curious about this art of imperfection... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Influence    8. Interior decoration    9. Japan    10. Psychological aspects    11. Themes, motives    12. Zen Buddhism    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (2)

BUY IT
Wonderful book on contemporary tropical design. Just looking at the pictures transports me to another place! I've even incorporated some of the simple design ideas into my own home. From the simple & serene to the eclectic, you won't be disappointed.
Functional Art
In short, this book has exceptional photos and displays wonderful furniture and design of natural materials.It's amazing to see how these materials can be formed into such beautiful and practical pieces of furniture.It's functional art! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Asian influences    3. Decorating - General    4. Design & Drafting    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Interior decoration    8. Philippines    9. Interior design   

Reviews (2)

Mummefied Magnificence
Don't let a fondness for Proustian luxe sucker you into purchasing this book containing mediocre photography and a text of perfumed flatulence.The ostensible purpose of the book is to reveal French urban, aristocratic taste as of the late twentieth century, or more accurately the taste of their designers (the usual cast of Henri, Renzo, etc.)and other arbiters of taste (Hubert, Alexis, Carlos, etc.).Certainly, there are more than enough interiors of the mummefied magnificence that comes from cocooning staggering numbers of objects in layer after layer of fabric (WARNING:Do not try at home.If you do not possess first-rate things and have access to the production from the best mills in Italy and France, you will achieve only The Old Junkshop look), but the pictures are uniformly fuzzy, muddy and printed on poor quality paper.Most maddening of all, the photography neglects genuine masterpieces (you cannot catch more than a glimpse, for example, of the incomparable Ingres portrait of Betty Rothschild) while devoting page after page to boring tabletop vignettes usually consisting of a few knicknacks and photographs of long-dead nobodies as children.In fact, the real purpose of the book is apparently to provide the author with a vehicle to boast about her ancestors (many of those same long-dead nobodies) and the elegant life they led.There is also a stench of moral decay most evident in the fawning description of Lady Mosley with an outrageous defense of British fascism before World War II.Mostly, however, the premise of the book seems to be that you are what you own, or more accurately what you inherit -- a concept so inherently ridiculous that even the owners of the homes depicted in the book had the good sense for the most part to insist on anonymity.If you truly want to revel in the atmosphere of things past, make yourself a cup of tea, find a hard biscuit and settle back in your recliner with the first volume of you know what.

Le Beau Monde
Though the title under which this book was released in France "Visite Prive" is perhaps more telling and appropiate for this volume, the homes included are no doubt among the finest to be found in that wonderful city. Most notably, the Rothschild's Hotel Lambert, is probably one of the finest homes to be found anywhere in the world. Truly a house fit for royalty for these kings of banking and bankers of kings. The home of couturier Hubert de Givenchy is another which exemplifies "French taste" and elegance even if we visit it in a more simplified state of grandeur then it was to be found some years ago before Mr. de Givenchy sold offa good part of his exceptional collection of antiques. Mme. de Nicolai-Mazery really brings these houses to life as she pays friendly visits to their inhabitants and informs as much about these notables of French society as she does about the houses they inhabit, many of which are truly family houses and have been handed down trough generations. All in all the book is a must for any lover of Paris and France as it illustrates French social life and culture in this cultural capital of the world. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Domestic    6. Dwellings    7. France    8. History    9. Interior Design - General    10. Interior Design - Style Books    11. Interior decoration    12. Mansions    13. Paris    14. Residential Interior Design    15. Upper class    16. Art / General   

Reviews (79)

Dreadful...Outdated design even for 10 years ago...
The interior design featured in this book was absolutely horrid. Even though this book is almost 10 years old I find it hard to beleive that garish clashing floral prints and variations of plaid were all the rage in 1997. Judging by the quality of BHG's magazines I expected so much more. Thank goodness I got it used for $1.59...

Inspiringand informative
The pictures alone are beautiful and inspriring.You can get so many ideas just from looking at them.Add the text and you have a book full of ideas, advice and suggestions for all styles. It even inlcudes organization tips.I will definitely refer to this often.It's hard to find a book that has both excellent info and pictures - this one's got it all!

Suburban Dream
I have a sick fascination for the BH&G series of decorating books. On the one hand, the BH&G look is not my style. On the other hand, there's something weirdly compelling about plate after plate that illustrates a suburban dream of comfortable home life: the big, cushy sofa; the chintzes; the wide coffee table with its stack of askew coffee table books and its vase of flowers; the iconic Flea Market Find filling a niche on the largest wall; the tasteful juxtaposition of a floral and a plaid in the same color way. These books also promise the entertaining sport of seeing how many times the same identical accessory appears in different rooms, belonging to different owners. The major downside of this book -- other than the soothing sameness of the designs -- is that coverage seems less comprehensive than in previous BH&G decorating books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - General    7. Interior decoration    8. Interior design    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating    11. House maintenance    12. decorating; color   

Reviews (5)

Loved this book
I have an old Victorian House and this book has been a wonderful guide. The styles fit in my 12 foot ceiling rooms like they were meant to be. I don't think this book is for modern homes.

The Dramatic Drapery Book
When I see the words curtain, I think something that someone with average skills might be able to create. I think this book should have been called The Drapery Book because the majority of the window styles are much more elaborate than what I consider to be curtains. I am not a decorator so I might have the wrong connotations of the words, but this is what comes to my mind when I see curtains vs drapes.
Of limited use
I did not find this book to be very inspirational.The only reason I gave it 2 stars instead 1 is because this book would be beneficial to some people.If you like traditional style, like the other reviewers of this book obviously do, this book is probably for you.Everyone else can find other books that give the same level of technical instructions with more range of styles and better photos.The book has a lot of sketches instead of actual photos. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blinds    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decorating - Windows    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Draperies in interior decorati    7. Draperies in interior decoration    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. Window shades    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (13)

BEST EXTERIOR COLOR BOOK
This is a great book for anyone serious about choosing paint colors for their house with professional results.A wide range of house styles and color combinations are presented.The book starts out with a brief step by step for choosing exterior paint color.It provides instructions for actually painting the house yourself.This is followed with page after page of gorgeous photos of painted houses, and it includes the paint color used for each house.There are very few resources available on the subject of choosing color for the exterior of the house.The book is truly the best I've seen.

Great Book!Great Help!
I have two of Ms. Krims' books, The Perfectly Painted House and The Perfect Palette.We bought a Federal Style home built in 1820 in downtown Fitchburg, MA for my husband's psychology practice last year.We consulted the book and decided on the Phelps Putty color, but kept the shutters black (although your choice of gray was stunning and I may do that in the future).The color suggestions along with the pointers on painting cedar shingles in the appropriate way yielded great results and we have gotten many compliments. Our next project is our own home and I chose the Glastonbury combo for my main floor and the Marblehead for our downstairs.Clearly Ms. Krims' books have been used and enjoyed.Thank you very much!

Disappointing
Anyone using this book as a means by which to choose paint colours, is making a huge mistake. Like most books of this genre, it is candy for the eye - you may be inspired, but to go out and use the same colours as in the book is foolish.Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decorating - Painting/Wallpapering    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. House painting    8. Home furnishing & decoration    9. Houses, apartments, flats, etc    10. Interior design   

Reviews (2)

Phenomenal Book
Just like all the other books in Whitesides' books, this one is artistic, beautiful, and unique.A Fabulous Book!!

Great wine country architecture!!!
We are in the process of building a home and have wanted to incorporate the architecture of Napa Valley in our home.I have purchased several books and this is by far the best depiction of Napa Style!! I highly recommend!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. California    3. California, Northern    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. Design & Construction    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Interior decoration    10. Napa Valley    11. Sonoma Valley    12. U.S. Architecture - General    13. United States    14. House & Home / Decorating    15. Places & peoples: general interest   

Editorial Review

There are countless books about lifestyles that are inaccessible, either because they are engulfed by abstract ideas or are set in palaces, real or imagined. Read more

Reviews (2)

A carpenter's point of view
I bought this book as a gift for my husband, who is a carpenter. He makes furniture as a hobby and has improved our back patio with the addition of a handmade trellis, flower shelves and boxes, and--of course--plants, plants, and more plants.
Beautiful book
Loved this book.Beautiful photos-my only criticism is that I found many photos were repeated through the book in different chapters.I liked the index at the back of the book which listed sources for finding objects featured in photos.I also have Martha Baker's book, Garden Ornaments, and recommend both.These books have a permanent place on my bookshelf and bedside table. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decoration    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    7. Outdoor living spaces    8. Patios    9. Swimming pools    10. United States    11. DIY    12. Garden design & planning    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (1)

A sumptuous collection from the pages of COLONIAL HOME
Poor "Colonial Home" magazine.After decades as the premiere magazine of antique American homes, it changed its name to "Classic American Home" and then was out of business in the ad-pages slump that followed September 11th, 2001.It was a great loss to those who love viewing and learning about historical American homes.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Decoration and ornament, Early American    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Interior decoration    8. Residential Interior Design    9. United States    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. Interior design    12. Sale Books   

Editorial Review

If you love chandeliers, flowing draperies, and bric-a-brac--if you believe you were a Roman senator, a Gothic queen, or Madame de Pompadour in an earlier life or have fantasies of La Belle Époque or the Golden Age of Hollywood--Read more

Reviews (34)

A Must Read
This book is worth the money. I do not live in an apartment. I own a 100 year old 22 room farm house.This book is not just for apartments but can be used for homes new and old as well.The ideas and designs are not out of reach for any budget. After reading this book I found I could take many items I already own and put them to work. Step by step directions for painting items to create a French look are very easy to follow. I was amazed that the rooms have a timeless feel not something that will be out of style like some trendy decorating ideas. If you love to be pampered this is a great place to start.

Romantic Ideas
If you love Shabby chic, then, you will like this book. Creative ideas to "stage" your apartment in a specific era, fantsy or whimsical approach.
Worth a browse, but not worth buying
Don't bother owning this book unless you happen to have a group of artist friends waiting in the wings to help you with your decorating strategy.But wait--if you have a group of artist friends, why do you need this book?There are some pretty pictures of over-the-top Manhattan apartments, but that is basically it.The moral of the book: it's better to scrounge around flea markets, thrift stores, etc. for neat pieces with good lines and fix them up than settle for Ikea.Get creative, and you can have a fantastic apartment.There, you learned what you needed.Now get decorating, and don't waste too much time about this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Decoration and ornament    5. France    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. House furnishings    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Paris    12. Residential Interior Design    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. Interior design    15. Reference / General   

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Home Furnishing    5. House & Home    6. Napkin folding    7. Tablesetting    8. Etiquette & entertaining    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating