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 (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 (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   

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 (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. 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   

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Architecture    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Asia    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Description and travel    7. Design - Decorative    8. Interior Design    9. Interior Design - General    10. Interior decoration    11. Subjects & Themes - General    12. Themes, motives    13. Architecture / Decoration & Ornament   

Reviews (10)

Less is most definitely more
In this astonishing book, which is filled with wonderful ideas, as well as being a beautiful coffee table book, we are granted an inside look at a truly new concept in home design in our age of teardowns and mega-mansions, a concept that smaller can be more satisfying than larger, if properly done. Here we are presented with something seldom viewed these days, how to make a house a home. There is something for every taste herein, and it is even multi-cultural, with oriental viewpoints as well on both furniture and flow of the home. Spend some time with this excellent book to see how every size home can be made more personal and beautiful, no matter what the budget.

Great as always!
Sarah books are a staple in my books of design collection. I refer to them frequently. She has a wonderful sense of design as it relates to organization, usefullness,and asthetically pleasing. I wish more designers and architects would use her sensibility and we would not be over run with all the hideous, vapid,mac mansions everywhere. I would reccommend all of her books without hesitation.

Inside the Not So Big House
I love this book and read through it often.It's a wonderful coffee table book but also has real concepts you can apply to your own remodel or decorating.It has given us our inspiration for remodeling our family room.Check out her other books as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Detail    2. Architecture    3. Cleaning & Caretaking - General    4. Design & Construction    5. Details    6. Do-It-Yourself    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Interior Design    10. Interior Design - General    11. Interior architecture    12. Room layout (Dwellings)    13. Small houses    14. DIY    15. Home furnishing & decoration    16. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (3)

A big book with an awful lot of information.
Now in it's third edition published in 2006 and brought up to date. This is the standard reference guide to the NCIDQ examination, but more than that this is an excellent reference book into designing the interior of a structure be it a house or a commercial building.
Interior Design Reference Manual
This book has all you need to study for the NCIDQ exam.I'm also glad I found the 3rd edition on Amazon because all the other book places I looked were $100 plus for this book!

best available study guide
this one's the best book to study for the NCIDQ. but they need to make an updated version.i just took the ncidq and items on the test but not in the book were drapery, carpet and wallcovering calculations and sustainable design. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. Examinations    4. Interior Design - General    5. Interior decoration    6. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (U.S.)    7. Personal & Practical Guides    8. Reference    9. Study & Teaching    10. Study and teaching    11. Study guides    12. United States   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture (General)    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    5. Decoration and ornament, Architectural    6. Design    7. Design - General    8. General    9. Interior Design - General    10. Repetitive patterns (Decorative arts)    11. Symmetry (Art)    12. Architecture / Design & Drafting    13. Art    14. Fashion    15. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    16. Interior Design    17. Patterns    18. Theory of art   

Reviews (12)

For project boards & rendering
I bought this to help organize my project boards, which it is great for. The bonus is the information on rendering. There was better information here than in the other 2 books I own on color theory and rendering.

excellent resource
This book is an excellent resource for the interior design student. It's a book you should get as soon as you start studies. Great reference to compliment classroom lessons. I also recommended it to my Residencial Design teacher. It has basic information that will save you time.Great buy!!

good guide
good guide to lots of information. Good reference for any design library. It touches base on resumes, presentation, etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art    3. Color Theory    4. Design    5. Graphic Arts - General    6. Graphic arts    7. Interior Design    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior decoration    10. Interior decoration rendering    11. Reference    12. Architecture / Interior Design   

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