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 (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   

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 (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 (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   

Reviews (2)

Excellent insight for Seamstress
I had been searching through all of the sewing books I could find to learn more about the nature of fabric and fibers...and everything I could possibly want to know was here, and more. Absolutely fascinating. It is a textbook, but was written clearly enough that anyone with an interest in the area can easily understand it. I've been teaching classes to costumers and members of the local American Sewing Guild, who are equally impressed with the knowledge we got from this book.

Connecting Textiles and Science
I use this book as the text for teaching a basic textiles course for sophmores.This text provides a sound foundation for students understanding the textiles and the science foundations that are the base for predicting textile performance.Every line is packed with information; there is no fluff in this book.If you want to understand WHY textiles and textile products perform in specific ways, this is the book to buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Manufacturing    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Textile Industries    8. Textile fabrics    9. Textile fibers    10. Textile industry    11. Textiles & Polymers    12. Art / Design / General    13. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms   

Reviews (3)

very informartive!
This book contains allot of basic information on draping. The instructions are thorough and are acompanied by visuals, for extra comprehension. It also has a section dedicated to draping knits, a real plus! My understanding of the draping method, and therefore my skill, has improved on account of this book.

Exactly what you need to know
I studied at FIT in NY, and this was required reading for my first draping course.It seems that a careful read of this book alone could have taught me what I needed to know.It takes practice, but boy, if you want perfect results, follow this book to the letter and it will get you there!

It was excellent
beautifu ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Decorating - General    4. Design - General    5. Dressmaking    6. Fashion    7. Fashion design    8. General    9. Pattern design    10. Textile Fabrics    11. Art / Design / General   

Reviews (4)

Wonderful Book
As the other reviewers have indicated, this is really a wonderful book.Page after page of spectacular eye-candy.Uplifing, gorgeous interiors. A must-have for anyone who needs some decorating inspiration.

Amazing book, incredible designers!
I am floored by the interior design of Diamond Baratta and this book is filled with page after page of incredible rooms. Even if your own taste is more on the mild side--check out this book because it could very well convert you to bringing pizzazz and excitement into your own home. Highly recommended!

Best decorating book I've ever bought!
I have clipped Diamond and Baratta pictures from magazines for years. But nothing prepared me for the arrival of their first book!
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Diamond Baratta Design, Inc.    4. History    5. Interior Design    6. Interior Design - General    7. Interior Design - Professional Reference    8. Interior decoration    9. Themes, motives    10. United States    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / Decorating   

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

Reviews (25)

Are Kelly and Jonathan The Same Person?
Is Kelly Wearstler Jonathan Adler in drag? Or vice versa? Both are wildly talented people, who just happen to use the same things in their work, same colors, etc. Jonathan is an artist, who adoringly references and copycats retro pottery, and makes it unqiuely his own. Kelly is a cool chick, good dresser, has tons of style and can make a pretty room out of old glam junk and ideas. I love them both, and their books are worth having. I wish Kelly had more personal rooms. Too many hotel rooms which are very stagey. In the book she says she didn't like doing set design, yet that's what she does - designs sets for cool people like her to inhabit. Hollywood Regency is the word bandied about to describe both Jonathan & Kelly, he sometimes getting the East coast moniker of Palm Beach Style too (and she the West coast of Palm Springs). I say if you shop on eBay you will see all this great junk (just search Hollywood Regency) that I call eBay Regency. Both books give you a few ideas of how to put it together. Jonathan is more playful, Kelly more serious, but both make wonderful, zany, colorful, retro inspired modern human rooms. I think they bring back the words INTERIOR DECORATOR, so refreshing after everyone and his mother is a DESIGNER (used to be everyone's mother was a station wagon driving decorator with a business on the side). I wonder if these two have ever met, and if so do they like one another, or are they really the same person?
Fifteen Minutes of Drama.
This designer clearly aims for exclamations of surprises from viewers. She has an admirable eye for color. But for real class and style, refer to and study truly great and original minds like the late David Hicks, Madeleine Castaing, Jacques Garcia, and the highly intellectual Jacques Grange. Then re-interpret to suit your life and add your own sense drama for a real originality.

Inspirational
Read it cover to cover... enjoyed learning how Kelly approaches the art of design and deconstructs her projects to give the reader a clear understanding of how she pulls together the beautiful results. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. History    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior decoration    9. KWID (Firm)    10. Residential Interior Design    11. Themes, motives    12. Architecture / Interior Design    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. Interior design   

Reviews (33)

Great
Love Nate and really like the book. I watch Oprah and regularly see Nate on the show. The only down side for me was that he features alot of the make overs from the show. This may be a positive or a negative depending on what you want. There wasn't too much info to absorb but enough tips to help stylise your home. I look forwrad to his next book and will keenly purchase that too.

A great gift for brides and grooms!
Help your favorite bride- and groom-to-be decorate their future home in style with Nate's terrific advice and examples. Sure, you could get them the proverbial blender for their shower gift, but they'll LOVE you for getting them this helpful and inspiring book for their home design. Their home is the center of their life together, after all, and even if they lived together before marriage, decorating their home for after the wedding marks the big transition in their lives. I've always suggested that brides and grooms prepare for the marriage, not just the wedding, and this book is one of my favorite ones to recommend to brides and grooms (and to guests looking for the perfect shower gift). Nate has a wonderful talent for color and room functionality, and this book is beautifully produced. The bride and groom will be very excited to unwrap this one!

Nate's Viewpoint
Although Nate obviously comes from an affluent background, he, for the most part, is reasonable in changing environments and finding the right combinations . . buying at yard sales andauctions.Being a nature lover, I love how he uses readily available bits of nature to brighten up and enhance a room.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design    7. Interior decoration    8. Psychological aspects    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Decorating - General    3. Entertaining - General    4. House & Home   

Reviews (4)

thoroughly covered material
I used this textbook in a college course called Survey of the Fashion Industry. The text covers all aspects of merchandising, with a strong focus on fashion design (entire chapters on textiles, etc). Good photos and lots of material!

Fashion : From Concept to Consumer (8th Edition) by Gini Stephens Frings [Hardcover]
Quality book. Received in a timely manner.

The best
Plain and simple this is the best fashion book to study! ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

ambitious room murals
I have been trying to get this book for over a year - I kept ordering it and it kept getting delayed. But now that it's here *sigh* what a marvel!gorgeous, giant fold-out illustrations of ambitious rooms sets shown in great detail.The text is a little hard to follow, but there is some interesting information about the designs, and process of printing this hugepanels. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Design - Decorative    5. European    6. Antiques & Collectibles / General    7. Antiques & collectables: pictures, prints & maps    8. Europe    9. Graphic design    10. Interior design   

Reviews (11)

Very Inspiring
This book is certainly not a how to book. It is most definately a coffee table book showing off the talents of Mr. Bailey & his design team.
preston
the book is quite illustrative, however there is a lot of overlap with his other book on Fantasy Weddings, which has better theme pictures.

Preston Bailey's Design for Entertaining: Inspiration for Creating the Party of Your Dreams
Gread ideas book - wonderful, stimulating pictures.Interesting reading - provides what I would term an overview of how to achieve a good design for an event.It is NOT a how to book however and there realy are no specifics on creating a specific look. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Entertaining - Party Planning    8. Interior decoration    9. Parties    10. Planning    11. Table setting and decoration    12. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (1)

Great book for anyone seriously interested in interior desig
I have used this book as a reference for many years.It is a great book.Anyone who is remodeling their kitchen or building a new home should read this book.Ms. Nissen has explored many areas of the field and written a terrific book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Decorating    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Interior Design    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior decoration    9. Art / General    10. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (9)

Should you buy French By Design?
I just did. The homes & rooms featured in this book indicate that money is no object and these homeowners want you to know it. Subtlety is non-existant. Rooms are very "we had a decorator & we spent a LOT". Most items looks too new, too ruffled, smocked, tucked and otherwise adorned. HOWEVER, if you can get past the pictures & READ THE TEXT- Phillips has a lot to say that is excellent. She lists sources & frequently shares fascinating comments on everyday details of French style (who knew about brass hardware vs brushed nickel?). If you read; buy it. If you look only at photos, don't! Charles Faudree is much better in the genre in my opinion.

Beautifully presented.
Another of Philips' beautiful French decorating books.Homes presented in this book, as with her other books are high end showing us the sumptuous fabrics, and lovely French furniture she specializes in.Homes shown are mostly mansions, not the average house. Good coffee table book.

Brilliant, Great Sense of Design, a Visual Delight
Not unlike all of Phillips' books, this book is a masterpiece of European syle and design.No detail is left unnoticed.The furniture, fabrics, antiques, architecture, artwork, and carved stone are each carefully considered and beautifully photographed.Every page is a visual delight.I cannot recommend it highly enough! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    6. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    7. Design & Construction    8. France    9. History    10. House & Home    11. Influence    12. Interior Design - Style Books    13. Interior decoration    14. United States    15. Architecture / Interior Design    16. Home furnishing & decoration    17. Interior design    18. c 1600 to c 1700   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Commercial - General    3. Commercial Building Construction    4. Commercial buildings    5. Decorating    6. Decoration    7. Design & Drafting    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Interior Design - General    10. Interior Design - Professional Reference    11. Residential Interior Design    12. United States    13. Architecture / Interior Design    14. Interior design    15. Public buildings: civic, commercial, industrial, etc