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 (3)

North Shore Chicago
Question-
If a book can be elegant, this one is
Very well put together from start to finish.The pages are luxurious to the touch and the binding is amazing.It even comes with a satin book mark.It hits the finest houses on the North Shore and it showcases some of Adlers best work.I agree wholeheartedly with the previous reviewer about the quality of this publishers work.You will not be disappointed in this book, it is well researched and has just he right mix of pictures and text.The B&W photos are just beautiful.Mr. Cohen should be proud of this work and I want to thank him and the publisher for putting out such an wonderful work of art.

Another great book from Acanthus Press.
I own every book this publisher issues. They are some of the most beautiful books I have in my library (and I have over 4000 books!). With great photography and thorough text, Cohen and Benjamin must have spent years researching this book. Thank you for your efforts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Architecture    3. Architecture, Domestic    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Domestic    6. Illinois    7. Lakeside architecture    8. North Shore (Region)    9. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

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)

Shojis on time
The book arrived speedily and in great condition.What more can I ask?

A woodworkers guide to shoji for your home
Shoji are really beautiful.There is something wonderful about the light passing through the semi-translucent rice paper, creating an atmosphere that is romantic and relaxing.Having lived in Japanese houses for several years, it was something that I wanted to recreate when I returned to the US.
Not traditional japanese woodwork, but who cares?
JVA uses a simplified approach to building shoji. Odate's book is the one for you if you want to build an authentic shoji using Japanese technique. Having said that, this is an EXCELLENT primer on shoji measurement and building practice for quick screens. I have built screens in both styles and take my word for it that JVA's method is quicker and no-one can tell the difference. Two things: the screen on the cover is NOT the one detailed in the text (check the corners). Also, I would HIGHLY recommend cutting your stiles long (leave a horn) and trimming them off post assembly with the table saw followed by a pass with a plane. Buy it and get building! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Carpentry    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Decorative arts    5. Design and construction    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Shoji screens    10. Woodwork    11. Furniture & cabinetmaking    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. Japan   

Reviews (1)

Exactly What I Was Hoping For
I purchased this book to give me ideas on which type of pattern/material I should use to reupholster a Victorian settee frame I recently bought.After looking through the breathtaking photos on these glossy pages, I know exactly which material to go with.And of course, from viewing this book I have a desire to purchase other victorian pieces to accompany the settee.It's a step back in time that must be seen.
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Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Architecture    3. Architecture, Domestic    4. Decorating    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Furniture    7. History    8. History - Specific Styles    9. Interior Design - General    10. Interior decoration    11. United States    12. Victoriana in interior decorat    13. Victoriana in interior decoration    14. Sale Books   

Reviews (4)

A marvelous look at western luxury homes
There's nothing "rustic" about these luxury ranch homes, and the word "cabin" is definitely a euphemism.The houses are as big and gorgeous as the settings they reside in, and the author's photographs capture both.If you want the vicarious thrill of seeing how the rich spend their summers in Montana, then book is for you.

Misleading
Look inside this book at a bookstore before you buy it. It is NOT about cabins but about huge lodges-log mansions, if you will.

Architect designed "cabins"
This is a beautiful, expensive book with many photographs.It's title is very misleading as it implies a study of rustic cabins; it is actually of "great halls of lodges." Mr. Kylloe feels their basis is the Arts and Crafts movement's influence on their architects; however, the true rustic cabin began with early settlers' struggles to survive and build rude shelters from the ubiquitous forest crowding around them.The photographs are especially of items like "luxury top-of-the-line kitchen appliances" or "a highly ornate, 17th Century gold-gilded corner cupboard (which) rests in the dining room."I feel cheated by the title and description of "mountain men whose small log cabins -etc." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decoration    3. Domestic    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Interior Design - General    7. Log cabins    8. Ranches    9. United States    10. Architecture / Methods & Materials    11. Houses, apartments, flats, etc    12. Industrial / Commercial Art & 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   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Commercial buildings    3. Domestic    4. Interior Design - Professional Reference    5. Interior decoration    6. Interior walls    7. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    8. Specifications    9. Architecture / Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    10. Public buildings: civic, commercial, industrial, etc   

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 (5)

Great Tracing Book!
I am an interior design student who LOVES this book. I had been struggling with drawing people in my renderings and this book really saved my drawings. You can be the best interior artist and have perfected drawing rooms, but if you stick an akward looking person in the center of your room....you have just completely ruined it. This book helps artists, interior designers, architects, students, teachers....everyone.
Excellent Resource
As a landscape architecture student this is a great resource for finding all types of people and trees and cars in all kinds of positions, plan view or perspective. Its an essential reference when you are looking for variation.

Not for interior design
I was expecting to see specific types of furniture in addition to trees, cars, and people. I don't see why there needs to be so many people pages. These are not very useful. As an interior design student, the book is not very useful but ok for architecture students. Also, I don't think the objects are in scale. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Drafting    3. Drafting & Mechanical Drawing    4. Entourage (Architectural rende    5. Entourage (Architectural rendering)    6. Interior Design - General    7. Themes, motives    8. Architecture / Design & Drafting    9. Photoshop   

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 (1)

A strong in-depth history of Chinese home architecture
China has seen many social, political and economic changes over the centuries, yet surprisingly, has managed to preserve excellent examples of changing architectural home styles throughout these years, as Chinese Houses: The Architectural Heritage Of A Nation presents. Packed with color photos of both interior and exterior d�cor, Chinese Houses also presents an in-depth survey of the rituals, culture, ornamentation influences, and floor plans of homes across China, from urban to rural dwellings. If it's a strong in-depth history of Chinese home architecture which is desired, look no further than the gorgeous Chinese Houses: it's much more than the coffee table picturebook it appears a first glance.
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Subjects:  1. Architectural Detail    2. Architecture    3. Architecture, Domestic    4. China    5. Customs & Traditions    6. Decoration & Ornament    7. Domestic    8. Dwellings    9. History - General    10. Interior Design - General    11. Residential Buildings Architecture    12. Residential buildings, domestic buildings    13. Theory of architecture   

Editorial Review

Tuscany's hill towns and countryside have enthralled inhabitants and visitors for centuries--the golden light in the afternoons, the grape arbors, and the rolling hillsides dotted with rustic farmhouses and villas.

Reviews (3)

Gorgeous book!
This book is so enjoyable!The pictures are beautiful...just looking through it takes me back to my favorite place in the world!
Beautiful, inspiring,full of memories of Italy
This book was so lovely. It contains exquisitephotos and many, many ideas applicable for my own home. Great decorating ideas. I've shared this book with other people who have been equally inspired by the warm,gracious, elegant living portrayed throughout. Highly recommend this bookfor yourself or gift. A lovelyway to remember past visits to Italy orinspire apersonal visit in the not too distant future.

A visual feast!
A beautiful book -- I enjoyed it much more than Tuscany Interiors which I also own.The houses range from simple to elaborate and -- of course! -- the landscapes and gardens are gorgeous. This is a great book from which to"lift" Italian decorating ideas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural & Industrial    2. Architecture    3. Architecture, Domestic    4. Celebrities    5. Domestic    6. Dwellings    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior decoration    9. Italy    10. Landscape    11. Landscape Architecture And Design    12. Photography    13. Residential Interior Design    14. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Europe    15. Tuscany    16. Architecture / Interior Design   

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 (2)

Great resource
This book is a great resource, or a beautiful coffee table book. It covers a broad range of architectural stained glass styles with both common and unusual examples. The photographs are excellent. I pull it off my shelf to illustrate possibilities to my stained glass clients all the time. It is very similar to "Old Stained Glass for the Home" by the same publisher, but the two together make a great pair for ideas, information or inspiration.

Stained glass will never be the same again!
I am an amateur stained glass collector and after having read this book I feel much more prepared to continue my hobby.I found the book well oragnized and photographed beautifully. There was more than enough information for me regarding pricing, locations and vendors. I recently had the opportunity to meet with the author and I found her very charming and well informed. She really knows her stuff. Not only am I a fan of stained galss but now I am a fan of Molly Higgins! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. General    5. Antiques & Collectables    6. Stained glass   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (2)

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!
Ashley Hicks has created a lasting memorial to his talented father, David Hicks. The book is stunning. The writing is fresh and enjoyable. Much, much more than a "David Hicks on..." title--more like a family scrapbook done to the highest level!

This isn't a review of the book, but amazon's POOR shipping
I have eagerly anticipated receiving my copy of David Hicks: Designer. I ordered it back in May of this year (2005) and I was told that it "usually ships in 2 to 3 weeks". Well, here it is September 2005 and STILL haven't received my copy and I doubt I ever will.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art    3. General    4. Interior Design - General    5. Art / Design / General    6. DESIGNERS    7. DESIGN_GREAT BRITAIN    8. Individual designers    9. Interior design    10. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Domestic    3. General    4. Residential Buildings Architecture    5. Architecture / General    6. Houses, apartments, flats, etc    7. Interior design   

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