Reviews (1)

A View Inside A Shrine to Self
The Windsors, while they were living, epitomized style, glamour, and wit. Ultimately theirs was a wasted life, empty of meaning in the end. From the heady days of their scandalous romance, life was all downhill, a private struggle to conserve their dignity in the aftermath of the abdication. To fill this emptiness and lack of purpose in life, the Duchess obsessed on perfection; of herself, of the things she collected and of the table she set. The Windsor's sous chef spent hours sorting salad leaves into leaves of exactly the same size to be set before their guests. Their relationship was a hollow recreation of the childhood the Duke never could leave behind. Moulin de la Tuilerie, their country home outside of Paris, was the York Cottage of Edward's youth reborn. Wallis herself was Queen Mary, obsessively arranging the display of small objets and cosseting the little boy who was King. A long time servant said, "They had nothing and no-one. They were just two lonely old people." Suzy Menkes takes the reader on an interesting tour through not only of the tangible objects of this relationship, but of the relationship itself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1896-    2. 20th century    3. Biography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Duchess of,    6. Duke of,    7. Fashion    8. General    9. Great Britain    10. Great Britain - History - 20th Century    11. History    12. Kings and rulers    13. Nobility    14. Photography    15. Windsor, Edward,    16. Windsor, Wallis Warfield,    17. Marriage    18. Windsor, Edward    19. Windsor, Wallis Warfield   

Reviews (5)

An incredible collection and celebration of timeless interior design concepts
In The Pink: Dorothy Draper, America's Most Fabulous Decorator by Carleton Varney is an incredible collection and celebration of timeless interior design concepts by the renowned interior designer and decorator Dorothy Draper, a woman far ahead of her age. Deftly compiling an profusely illustrated compendium of Draper's remarkable work, In The Pink holds the reader's total attention from first page to last with an informative text enhanced with photography showcasing memorable designs created by the sharp eye and even sharper imagination of Draper throughout her world acclaimed career. A "must" addition to professional and academic library Interior Design reference collections, In The Pink is to be given high praise and recommendation for non-specialist general readers with an interest in interior design.
This Book Is A "Must Have"
For all design professionals, modernism addicts, and even the layperson.The book is filled with wonderful images culled from a lifetime of decorating.Dorothy Draper's style was always fancyful, playful and above all else comfortable~she was not a devotee of the Eames pared down sterile and functional school of design.If you are done with Danish, numb over Knoll, and way past Panton~~~check out "In the Pink:Dorothy Draper:America's Most Fabulous Decorator"she will have you going for Baroque!

Breathtaking Book
What a beautiful book. A look at the history of a spectacular designer. Art Deco Beauty. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Artists, Architects, Photographers    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Design - Textile & Costume    6. Interior design    7. USA   

Reviews (31)

Some Instructions Inadequate
I purchased this book as my figure has changed and I needed to re-do my basic slopers.The pattern design books I currently have did not cover trousers so I was delighted to finda new book that was apparently so comprehensive.
Finally !Best value for my dollar
I received this book yesterday and read the first 100 pages.I've sewn all my life and consider myself an advanced seamstress.I've sewn and made my own patterns for childrens' heirloom, business suits, and now enjoy making (jazz) dance costumes.I'm the one in line at the fabric store buying ten patterns, just to combine different details and features in different sizes, especially if sewing for a group.I probably own hundreds of patterns and almost that many books.For me, this book will pay for itself many times over.It isn't a sewing "how to" book and it wouldn't be the first book for a beginner.The reader should be familiar or use other reference books for actual garment construction techniques.I've bought other, less expensive sewing books to learn pattern manipulation and fitting techniques.I put off the purchase of this book, being put off by its price.But, finally!This book is so inspiring and liberating. In just the first 100 pages, I've gotten through the basic patternmaking and dart manipulation.I think I may never have to buy another pattern again !This is definitely a must have for the serious sewing enthusiast.

Designs by Sharon
This book was used during a 12 week class I attended for Patternmaking.It is very thorough and is an excellent reference for just about any type of pattern one could desire to make.I learned a great deal using the book as a reference guide while I studied the various fundamental components to patternmaking.However, it can be a little intimidating if used as a self-study text.This issue could have been solved if there had been an answer section for the various exercises that accompanied each chapter.Many of the students in our class felt it was a text designed for those enrolled in a formal college level class, i.e., it oftened assumed reader knowledge beyond that expected of a lay person. (Everyone in our class was required to be at the advanced level of sewing experience.)Some of the exercises were made more difficult because the technique to design a sample pattern was in a later chapter, not having been covered in the one just studied.Overall,though,it is a good reference and certainly belongs in the personal library of any serious home sewer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Decorating - General    3. Design - General    4. Dressmaking    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Fashion    7. General    8. Pattern design    9. Art / Design / General    10. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    11. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (6)

Read before you practice
I have practiced interior design for over 20 years and still found this book to be invaluable.The information about legal ramifications and insurance coverage was enlightening but also sobering.It's a must read for any design firm principal or freelance designer.

Get It!
This book reads like a friend whispering all the good advice and secrets of the interior design business in your ear. I wish my Professional Practices class had used this text.It's a lot of information but Christine Piotrowski truly takes you by the hand and lets you know what you need to prepare for in a budding interior design business as well as how the interior design business is done in general.I will be referencing this book again and again.A huge thank you and bravo to Christine Piotrowski

Must Have!
This book was used for both Business Practice For Interior Design & Sales and Marketing. I had no need to consult any other source. "This is a great book"THANKS.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design services    3. General    4. Interior Design    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior Design - Professional Reference    7. Interior decoration    8. Interior decoration firms    9. Management    10. Marketing    11. Practice    12. United States    13. Architecture / Interior Design    14. Business & Management   

Reviews (3)

Not Good Introductory Textbook Material
This is a required book for an introductory lighting class I'm taking.Since we are solely relying on this book and it isn't supplemented with lecture material, I find that, without familiarity with lighting terminology and concepts, it is very difficult to understand -- very cryptic with the seemingly overused language of the field.While the author may be very knowledgeable, I feel the book is not very well written and the target audience is, perhaps, not intended to be, essentially, the layman.I don't find the organization of ideas and concepts to be clearly laid out or communicated well and, as they unfold, and I come to understand what the author is trying to say,wonder why it was made so difficult -- is that all he means, geesh and why didn't he tell me that earlier.It would be easier to understand the general concept of things first, even in plain English perhaps, and then go on to a more technical description to learn the language of the field and get the details.Just seems to make simple things very complicated, especially with the language, flow of ideas, and phrasing.
Great teacher
While I was studying Interior Design at Parsons a number of years ago, I had Gary Gordon as a Lighting Design Instructor.He was by far one the best teachers that I had.He is very knowledgeable and has the unique ability to easily communicate the many aspects of both design and lighting. I highly recommend any publication he has authored.

Very good book for novices.
The book begins with an inspirational and somewhat simplistic insight into lighting design.Simply as a study of lighting contrasts.While this is a very important aspect of LD,it is by far one of many concepts a professional must use.The book refers to many technical aspects of lighting without giving any "meat" or more in depth information,which I would have enjoyed.If you are new to LD or are an architect or engineer who has little experience with lighting,it is a very good lauching point.If you are technically knowledgable about lighting and want some inspiration,read chapter 1 and the last chapter on Design for concepts ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Detail    2. Architectural Lighting    3. Architecture    4. Electric lighting    5. Engineering - Mechanical    6. Interior Design - General    7. Interior Design - Lighting    8. Lighting, Architectural and de    9. Lighting, Architectural and decorative    10. Architecture / Interior Design    11. Interior design   

Reviews (1)

The best coffee table book ever !!!
Recently I have found myself drawn to graphics of all kinds. Being a huge fan of Tashen books and seeing this book on their website I decided to order it. Now at $200.00 this was quite a big purchase but this book is incredible. The color plates are beautiful and the information about the designs is very complete as well as interesting. This is a huge book! I think it must weigh in the neighborhood of 10 lbs. It is not a book to take to the beach for alittle read. However, it is a book to get inspired by and it will inspire you no matter what your art medium is. This is a book that I will tresure for years to come and I am sure if you decide to invest in this book you will not be disapointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Design - Decorative    5. General    6. Reference    7. Art styles not limited by date   

Reviews (5)

amazing resource!
WOW! beautifully organized and articulated. thoughtful and well-rounded discussion of the variation and evolution of interior design. it was purchased to use as a course resource (on 20th century American consumer culture), but am now tempted to buy my OWN copy.

Usefull For designers
It's a very interesting book, it offers a vew over design from ancient times to ower days. We can follow the developement of design over time. The book is recomended especialy for professional designers.

A History of Interior Design
I really do enjoy the book except that on some important topics in the class I am taking with this book there is little information. Nonetheless on the topics it greatly expands upon the book shows impressive and accurate knowledge. The pictures also aid in examples and are for the msot part the best picture examples that any book could offer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. History    4. Interior Design    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior architecture    7. Interior decoration    8. Architecture / Interior Design    9. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (18)

Great book!
This book is not only beautiful, but includes a great text!With helpful hints on everything, I refer to it on a daily basis.
A visual beauty but...
If you are not Donald Trump and your house is not Mara Lago you may be a tad dissapointed. I was expecting an affair w/ this book. According to the author, what every guest room needs is Egyptian cotton percale sheets w/ a 400 thread count. Ok..lol...shoot me...I buy my sheets at Target. I found the book a bit stuffy for my taste.

a special book, a special gift
When I bought my new home in Italy I wished a book which could give me ideas for decorating the rooms in country style. I chose this by Bunny Williams and I am relly satisfacted because there are a lot of nice suggestion and beatifull pictures.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Dwellings    5. Gardening    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior decoration    9. Remodeling    10. Remodeling & Renovation - General    11. Residential Buildings Architecture    12. Residential Interior Design    13. Architecture / Interior Design    14. Interior design   

Reviews (9)

Residential Lighting - A Practical Guide
This is an excellent practical and technical book for learning about and designing lighting for a home. It's aimed at the professional, which I appreciate as an intern architect. Part of my job is to design sophisticated lighting schemes for custom homes, which takes a lot of experience and knowledge. This book has really helped me to pinpoint the different kinds of lighting needed for each space and how to place it and specify it in a professional way for the greatest effect. Most architects take years to learn this, but I'm getting a crash course by having this resource. It's not a fluffy coffee table book, it's a technical manual that teaches HOW to properly understand and design lighting for a residence. I highly recommend it.

Excellent Resource
This is the best book that I have seen on the topic.The practical advice is well balanced with technical information.A must-have for any Designer's Resouce Library.

Lighting secrets revealed!
As a designer, I can't say enough good things about Randall Whitehead's Residential Lighting, A Practical Guide. This is his follow up to his wonderful Lighting Up! A Practical Guide which has been a staple of the design community for seven years. All the best parts of the earlier book have been retained with the addition of more than 200 photos in both color and black & white.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Dwellings    5. Interior Design - General    6. Lighting    7. Architectural structure & design    8. Architecture / Interior Design    9. Heating, lighting, ventilation    10. Housing & property for the individual    11. Interior design   

Editorial Review

Marc Vassallo's Read more

Reviews (2)

An easy recipe for easy living
Vassallo puts into words the kind of home we all want: casual, bright, a place that feels good to call home. The BFH introduces the idea of the easy feeling you get when you're away on a summer vacation, renting a cabin in the woods or a house on the beach. The book provides the recipe for maintaining this feeling year-round, not just one or two weeks a year but every day in your own house.

A lavishly photographed interior design and decorating guide
The Barefoot Home: Dressed-Down Design For Casual Living is a lavishly photographed interior design and decorating guide, with an eye for the laid-back lifestyle. Emphasis on openness, lack of clutter, serenity, ventilation, and ease distinguish these suggestions for everything from kitchens to studios to bedroom. Full-color photographs on every page, diagrams, and extensive writing not only about specific suggestions but also general themes to promote a relaxed atmosphere fill The Barefoot Home cover-to-cover. The perfect interior design antidote to the pressures and stresses of a fast-paced world, The Barefoot Home is written in a tone akin to its subject matter - easygoing and thoroughly accessible to amateur and professional designers alike. Very highly recommended and informative reading.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture, Domestic    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Domestic    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior architecture    11. Psychological aspects    12. Residential Buildings Architecture    13. Room layout (Dwellings)    14. House & Home / General   

Reviews (29)

OM sweet hOMe
This is a beautiful book...it really is...the pictures themselves are totally and completely inspiring and worth the price of the book alone!
Informative & Stunning!
Jayme Barrett has written a book on feng shui that is highly informative, readable, easy to use, and beautiful to look at. This book absolutely helped me to change tracks. Just beginning to implement the suggestions in this book has resulted in increasing my energy and motivation as well as improving my overall mood. The book is filled with gorgeous photographs by Jonn Coolidge that beautifully illustrate the ideas presented by Jayme. It is a joy to read as well as to browse through the pictures. I've read the book several times now and have begun to suspect that I will have to buy a backup copy since I will probably wear this one out!

Cannot get enough of this book!
I will read Feng Shui Your Life by Jayme Barrett over and over again. It is well written, colorful and timely. Anyone who wants to feel better about themselves and happier in their personal surroundings should definitely read it. I have shared it with family and friends. Great gift idea, as well! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Feng Shui    3. New Age    4. Body, Mind & Spirit / New Age    5. Fortune-telling & divination    6. Home furnishing & decoration    7. MEDICINE - BG-JUVY ACTIVITY   

Reviews (4)

Classic Prinicples
This book is a must for anyone wishing to understand classic prinicples of design. It gives details unavailable in many standard works.I had an earlier edition while in university and when I lost it after a move, was delighted to be able to find another copy of this valuable resource.It was like Christmas to have it once again in my possession.

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
As an instructor of Interior Design, I cannot praise this book enough....My students as well as fellow instructors find it an invaluable tool, not only in teaching beginning level courses, but also as a great reference manual after the student graduates....Several of us still have well-worn copies in our offices...Buy this book, you won't be dissapointed!

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
As an instructor of Interior Design, I cannot praise this book enough....My students as well as fellow instructors find it an invaluable tool, not only in teaching beginning level courses, but also as a great reference manual after the student graduates....Several of us still have well-worn copies in our offices...Buy this book, you won't be dissapointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. Decoration and ornament    4. General    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior decoration    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - General    10. Art / General    11. The Arts: General Issues   

Reviews (5)

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

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

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

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

Reviews (40)

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

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

Reviews (3)

Codes are Fun!
Could studying building codes actually be fun?Much to my surprise, when you combine this book with the companion study guide workbook it is.The author presents the information on the codes clearly and in logical order.I am studying for my NCIDQ exam and was really nervous about the "codes questions" until I got this book.

The Codes Guidebook for Interiors- professional peer review
I own each of the 3 editions of this book, and have found the information to be a well source of sound, practical advise concerning the application of codes as they relate to interior projects. I am an Interior Designer and I refer to my copy of Codes Guidebook for Interiors regularly for projects I am involved in. This book and the companion study guide are part of the recommended resources for studying and preparing for the NCIDQ examination. I believe this book should be a part of every commercial practitioners library, whether they be an architect or interior designer.

Informative
The Codes Guidebook for Interiors is a simple, straight forward guide to understanding how building codes regulate design.The guidebook builds a chapter by chapter systematic approach to code research and applicationthat can be followed by every practictioner regardless of building locale. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building laws    3. Buildings    4. Interior Design - General    5. Interior architecture    6. Specifications    7. United States    8. Architecture / Interior Design   

Reviews (14)

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

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

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

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

Reviews (4)

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

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

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

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

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. General    5. Interior Design - General    6. International Architecture - General    7. Reference   

Reviews (8)

Good book
Doesn't give a detailed analysis of anything, but is a great tool for people wanting a basic understanding of green building, energy efficient techniques, etc.

Beautiful, but....
This book no doubt makes a lovely addition to my coffee table. I feel so inspired and now.. how do I do it?? I was looking for more practical advice that addressed all my reasons for wanting to remodel green - protecting my family's health and our planet's natural resources and my financial savings. If the intention was to create a stunning, inspiring book - great job. If it was to really explain what green is and exactly how to do it, I think I'd look to books like "Green Remodeling" by Johnston and Master or read Environmental Building News....

Real Homes that Make a Difference
"A recent poll revealed that an astounding 96% of consumers are willing to pay more for green features in a home, and 91% feel that energy-efficient features in a new home were extremely or very important." Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Domestic    3. Design & Drafting    4. Domestic    5. Ecological houses    6. Environmental aspects    7. Interior Design - General    8. Methods & Materials    9. House & Home / General    10. Housing & property for the individual    11. Residential buildings, domestic buildings