Reviews (3)

Romantic rooms
Sometimes astonishing, freqeuently amusing, this book is a peek behind the often closed doors of a variety of Irish homes.From the "Militant Grandeur" of great houses such as Castletown to the quirky cottage of two bachelor brothers with a passion for birds ("The Birdmen of Belmullet") the pictures tell of an approach to decorating that is different from that prevailing in neighboring England.There is a whimsy and romanticism in Irish decorating style, both high and low, that is distinctive.As a frequent visitor to the Emerald Isle, I've been in some of the featured locations (Castletown, Bantry House) and can testify that the other featured locations are not unique.I found the interiors of some of the recently restored buildings to be very inspiring as well.

Design Research Source
As the resident scenic designer for a professional theatre company, I am constantly searching for detailed, unique visual reference material to incorporate into my stage settings. Since we had the rare opportunity to produce the American premiere of "Kevin's Bed" from the Abbey Theatre last season (and will also be doing the American premiere of "Stella By Starlight" from the Abbey this season), I needed accurate information oncontemporary Irish home interiors; not easy to find on this side of the Atlantic! This book has an interesting architectural mix from restored 18th century mansions to rural cottages with richly detailed large color photographs packed with just the kind of information that I was looking for. I would recommend this as a reference book for interior designers, Irish enthusiasts or anyone needing this kind of unique visual material.

Vivid and immensely-colorful
"The Irish Home" is a vivid and immensely-colorful volume. Ianthe Ruthven takes us from grand and ostentatious eighteenth century estates to contemporary Ireland's restoration homes (an exquisite exampleof the latter is Fedany, a former 1870s schoolhouse in Cork, that has beenturned into a bright and resplendent abode). There are 200 large andbeautifully-lit color pictures. (Ruthven, in addition to being a finewriter, is an accomplished photographer). Some of her best compositionshere include the Leixlip Castle series; Phillipa Bayliss's bedroom andbookcase in the Old School; and the two-page spread of Gola Island, asecluded and now largely-deserted isle off the coast of Donegal. Ruthven,both in her prose and her photographs, readily captures what Irish novelistMolly Keane once noted about Irish country houses: That they "areethereal in their uselessness, and extraordinary in the spaces theirdesigners yielded to one object only--beauty." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Domestic    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Interior Design - General    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Interior decoration    7. Ireland    8. Residential Interior Design    9. Themes, motives    10. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Architectural Detail    2. Architectural Lighting    3. Architecture    4. Electric lamps    5. Electric lighting    6. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic    7. General    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Interior Design - General    11. Interior Design - Lighting    12. Lighting, Architectural and de    13. Lighting, Architectural and decorative    14. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    15. Standards    16. Technology    17. Architecture / Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    18. Interior design    19. Landscape art & architecture   

Reviews (4)

Beautiful and eclectic
This is a beautiful book and the author and photographer have done a splendid job in choosing a variety of homes so the book is very eclectic which also makes it a fun book.
New French Country
Photography is beautiful throughout entire book.Very informative and inspirational. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking knowledge of french country design.

One of the Best Source Books So Far!
Of the many books I've read and collected on French Country style and decorating, this is the best and most thorough.The book is set up into categories and is concise, beautifully depicted in large color photos, with accompanying text.NOT a coffee table book, but a true reference book for French Country decorating. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    5. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    6. Design    7. Design - General    8. Europe - France    9. France    10. House & Home    11. Provence    12. Provence (France)    13. Residential Interior Design    14. Social life and customs    15. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (7)

Colonials:Design Ideas for Renovating, Remodeling, and Building New (Updating Classic America)
Great inspirations and pictures that are very helpful.

Great Idea Book
Colonial style homes have been built since -- well you can guess when. Modern colonials are built to suit modern taste. That is, the kitchens are large, there is a lot of storage space, it has a multiple car garage.
Not a book for historical taste
Readers interested in historically authentic renovations or new construction of colonial, federal or classical revival style houses will not find much of interest in this book.The houses and furnishings pictured for the most part present eclectic blends of contemporary and historic styles. I would describe many of the "colonials" pictured in the book as postmodern eclectic. A number bear no recognizable relation to the colonial style. Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture, Colonial    2. Architecture, Domestic    3. Building Construction    4. Construction - General    5. Design & Construction    6. Designs and plans    7. Do-It-Yourself    8. Domestic    9. Domestic architecture    10. Home Improvement / Construction    11. House & Home    12. Influence    13. Interior Design - General    14. Remodeling & Renovation - General    15. Specific Residential Buildings Architecture    16. United States    17. Building construction & materials    18. Building skills    19. Home & House Maintenance    20. House & Home / General    21. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (3)

The interior design handbook
Clear, well written, with astute comments about the business side of this interesting profession.This lady knows what she is talking about, having been in this area of consulting for many years.You can tell her expertise easily by reading this book!A must for all interior designers.

excellent resource
Great ideas for any design firm, as well as practical methods The Interior Design Business Handbook
An excellent guide book for newly established interior design company. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Interior Design - General    4. Interior decoration    5. Interior decoration firms    6. Management    7. Marketing    8. Practice    9. United States    10. Architecture / Interior Design    11. Interior design    12. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (8)

AFavorite
I find myself reaching for this book over and over again. In it the authors generously give us a glimpse of the life they have made on a small island in the Bahamas. With a lot of hard work and no pretension, they have gotten it mostly just right. Their houses are neither overdone nor underdone, but pleasing to the eye, soothing and liveable. Highly recommended.

Never got item - it was unavailable
Never got item - waited several weeks and then was notified.

Nice to look at....PERIOD
The cover was very appealing.First impressions etc;.The inside photos even more so.The writing however sounded likethe ramblings of a spoiled child living in an unreachable reality sometimes and at other times, the snobbery of an aristocracy only appreciated in the mind of the writer and those who really believe that paradise can only be created by the writer. Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Bahamas    4. Decorating - General    5. Hicks, India    6. History    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Themes, motives    12. Architecture / Interior Design   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Congresses    3. Contact angle    4. General    5. Interior Design - General    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Surface chemistry    8. Technology    9. Wetting    10. Biology, Life Sciences   

Reviews (4)

Someone Needs to do a good book on Silver Lake
The L.A. neighborhood called Silver Lake is home to a large number of iconic Modern-era houses, with many created by the West Coast's masters of the period. In recent decades, as "mid-century modern" has found new admiration, a new generation of architects has been called on to add to the already rich Silver Lake Modern storyline. Thus, today, perhaps more than any other neighborhood in the U.S., Silver Lake---a neighborhood with distinct, widely acknowledged geographic boundaries---is a mecca for Modern. What's more, there's actually enough extant iconic Modern houses in Silver Lake to merit a book-length treatment. After all, many of these daring examples of design have fascinating stories.
Enjoyable overview of America's most interesting neighborhood
Beautifully illustrated and informative exploration of the design and architecture of America's most unique and unheralded artist community.The author seems a bit eager to anoint herself the leader of the BOMO movement, taking great pains to establish her legacy as its central figure.At times this leaves the book feeling like an overpriced brochure for the Barbara Bestor Studio, however, there is enough content to make it a worthwhile read, particularly for those familiar with the area.

Must reading for Silver Lakers!
As a journalist and Silver Lake resident, I found this book very informative.I have driven or walked by many of the homes featured in the book, and it is fascinating to learn about the people who live in them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Domestic    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Individual Architect    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Residential Buildings Architecture    10. Residential Interior Design    11. Architecture / Domestic   

Reviews (2)

A must companion
If you are someone who is involved in arhitect or interior decoration, this book is a must to guide you in creating something splendor from the Islamic culture, and it's a good refrence on a cofee table top.

Four different approaches to Islam architecture
Islam expanded quickly within a few centuries, embracing a wide area and altering the political and cultural heritage of the entire region. Splendors of Islam examines the visual effects of Islam, considering the structures in contrast with other architectural traditions and examining the role given to various decorative choices and styles. Four different approaches to Islam architecture provide an exceptionally well-rounded view, with color photo examples packing an oversized coverage. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Islamic    3. Art, Islamic    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Decoration and ornament, Archi    6. Decoration and ornament, Islam    7. General    8. Interior Design - General    9. International Architecture - Middle Eastern    10. Islamic Art    11. Islamic art and symbolism    12. Vernacular Architecture    13. Art / General   

Reviews (2)

Adobe Details
Adobe Details is a small but powerful book.It is well written and beautifully photographed by Karen Witynski and Joe Carr. This book satisfies the reader's appetite for Mexican and New Mexican decor while challenging him or her to venture out to one of the several locations featured.Ideas abound for the novice decorator.If landscape design is more your style, this book will also energize your outdoor spirits!!The vivid color and simple elegance make the book a "must have" for any library, especially those chocked full of information on the southwest.

Especially for architecture buffs
Adobe Details by award winning Mexican design specialists Karen Witynski and Joe P. Carr is an impressive survey at the culture, furnishings, and especially the architecture prevalent in the American Southwest and the mountains of Mexico. The majority of Adobe Details is devoted to breathtaking, full-color photography of grand living spaces; brief text captions and essays provide rich detail on the history, functionality, and symbolism of these inspirational edifices. Adobe Details is especially for architecture buffs and a welcome addition to academic and community library interior design reference collections. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adobe houses    2. Decorating    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. House Plans    7. Interior decoration    8. Mexico    9. Southwestern States    10. Architecture    11. Architecture / Interior Design    12. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (3)

Excellent book with impressive narrative & pictures
I caught a glance of the book on my architect's desk, and immediately ordered it the next day.I was not disappointed.
compositionally nice but superficial
This book is long overdue. There's really no exclusive published works in print on American Tudor Revival architecture, except for this. It is a beautifully photographed and organized book, with nice fonts and well-balanced photographs. There are a few holes, though. Styles and geographic concentrations aren't focused on well enough. The section on Philadelphia Tudor Revival ingores a rich and very diverse Tudor variety in favor of a few French country houses. Also, the 1950s and 1970s mixes of ranches and split-levels with Tudor sensibilities are ignored, either out of distaste or pretension. The modern Tudor section is dominated by one very large McMansion with mock Tudor references. In all, the book is unfit for study but is basically a very pretty coffee table book.

Finally! ...a book for Tudor style enthusiasts!
Excellent book of Tudor houses.A sampling of the best homes across America. Brief descriptions/history.No floorplans, but beautiful color photos of exteriors as well as interiors.You will love this book.My all-time favorite Tudor home is included: Stan Hywet Hall. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Criticism    3. Domestic    4. History - Specific Styles    5. Residential Interior Design    6. U.S. Architecture - General    7. Architecture / Interior Design   

Reviews (9)

love this book
I absolutely love this book. The photos are beautiful! I look at this book so much I guess it is my decorating bible right now haha. If you like Designers Guild fabrics you need to get this book.

Colorful Accessories
Like other reviewers, I wondered, where are the "Rooms to Live In" mentioned in the book title.
Finally!! A book for us "outside the box" decorators
I will preface this review by saying: If you want a "how to" decorating book, with step by step instructions and perfectly laid out rooms that you can easily duplicate by buying each piece in the book, this book is not for you. If you, like me, are looking for decorating books that are a little outside the box... a book that gives you new, fresh ideas with inspirations stemming from items you aesthetically love (the pearly pink of the inside of a conch shell found on vacation, the smooth sophisticated grey from a river stone) and build a room around it... you have found the book you have been searching for! Read more

Subjects:  1. Color in interior decoration    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Architecture / General   

Reviews (15)

I need a studio to make this stuff.
I liked most of the ideas in this book. They are beautiful and look doable. The problem is space. Unless you have a garage or outdoor space to make the stuff in you will not be able to make most of these projects. The instructions could also be more detailed by adding information like "this type of wood" or "this type of light fixture". Still, there are a couple of fantastic ideas I will try like a lantern-looking lamp and a lap blanket. If I hadn't had a gift certificate, I would be dissapointed.

Great eye candy
The projects look great, but intimidating. The materials would be pretty expensive (not counting the tools) & I would hate to mess up & I'm an accomplished diy-er! All the great projects are hard 4/5 skill level. Everything under a skill level 4 is kind of lame for lack of a better word.
mid century you can make
this is the perfect craft book for anyone who i a fan of crafting and mid century design. this will help you craft items to keep along side your vintage finds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Home Furnishing    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior decoration    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (3)

Interesting and well done
Without trying to make the reader an expert at Feng Shui this book clearly explains important principles of good design from placement of doors to colors and placement of art.A fascinating read at a basic level, it does not delving into the complexities of Feng Shui but make the basic ideas easy to understand and apply.The book includes an interesting section on how furniture placement creates effective doorways and passageways in the room and makes the house more inviting or hinders access.The authors examine various applications including residential and office environments.Feng Shui: A Practical Guide for Architects and Designers is easily one of the most approachable and immediately usable books on Feng Shui that I have read and one of the few that I can actually call an enjoyable read.

Not to be missed
Feng Shui expert Vincent M. Smith works with architect Barbara Lyons Stewart to produce the first book written for design pros interested in practical applications of Feng Shui. Here are basic principles tailored not for the new age consumer but for the practicing architect who wants to build them and hard-wire them into structures. From learning which designs reduce stress and increase productivity to using feng shui concepts for selecting initial building sites for homes or businesses, FENG SHUI: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS is not to be missed.
Not to be missed
Feng Shui expert Vincent M. Smith works with architect Barbara Lyons Stewart to produce the first book written for design pros interested in practical applications of Feng Shui. Here are basic principles tailored not for the new age consumer but for the practicing architect who wants to build them and hard-wire them into structures. From learning which designs reduce stress and increase productivity to using feng shui concepts for selecting initial building sites for homes or businesses, FENG SHUI: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS is not to be missed.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Feng Shui    3. Interior Design    4. Interior Design - General    5. Miscellanea    6. Architecture / Interior Design   

Editorial Review

One of the best methods of gaining decorating inspiration is by visiting other people's homes, a task author Suzanne Trocme expertly carries out by assembling the work of the world's greatest 20th-century interior designers, including such important figures as Jean Michel Frank, Albert Hadley, Nina Campbell, and Mario Buatta, in Read more

Reviews (3)

not very impressed
There were a lot of insights about specific designers, but not many graphics on more traditional styles - I'm not sure exactly what to make of the "elegant section" at all. I was fairly disappointed with the lack of information on how a non-professional could help immerse the professional techniques into their own style, or rather, into a contemporary lifestyle.

Great ideas for interesting interiors
Love the variety of upscale interiors selected for this one. Photography is quite good.

I didn't know how much I didn't know about interior design
For so many years there have been books published detailing the lives and achievements of certain influential designers, architects, the most important figures. Never before have we heard the entire story of who wasinfluenced by who, how it came about, who was trained by who. FinallySuzanne Trocme has grouped all this information together to give a succintand illuminating text to accompany photographs of some of the world's mostcopied rooms. An education. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Biography    4. Decorating    5. Decorating - General    6. Decoration & Ornament    7. History    8. House & Home    9. Interior Design - General    10. Interior decoration    11. Interior decorators    12. Residential Interior Design    13. House & Home / Decorating   

Editorial Review

With Gustav Stickley and Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles Sumner Greene and brother Henry Mather Greene defined the Arts & Crafts movement in America. From their offices in Pasadena, they created "Ultimate Bungalows," finely crafted homes characterized by the integration of architecture and interior design into a harmonious whole. Though both brothers had long and distinguished careers, the highpoint of their work came between 1903 and 1909, when they created such lasting masterpieces as The Gamble House in Pasadena, the Pratt House in Ojai, and the Thorsen House in Berkeley. Read more

Reviews (11)

Greene + Greene...defining Arts & Crafts
Superb photoraphic illustration depicts the design genius of the Greenebrothers. A comprehensive study of leading architects of the Arts & Crafts movement...a high compliment to the monumental craftsmanship of those who executed their designs.

Craftsman style ideas
The book is beautiful, filled with both architectural ideas and furnishing ideas for items done in the craftsman style.I purchased the book for these ideas and was delighted with all the pictures.Some of the stonework illustrated is breathtaking in its beauty.

Wait for a better quality edition !
We were very disappointed at the quality of printing, inferior paper stock,and lack of clarity in the photographs. At the "coffee table" price we were expecting much higher resolution in the color photographs and better quality paper. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Architecture, Domestic    4. Arts and crafts movement    5. California    6. Greene & Greene    7. Individual Architect    8. Individual Architectural Firms    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Residential Interior Design    11. U.S. Architecture - General    12. Architecture / General    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. Individual architects    15. Interior design   

Reviews (70)

Easy and Complete Decorating Approach
Love this book.It breaks down the elements of decorating in a way that is easy to follow yet effective.More importantly to me..this book gave me enough guidance and encouragement to break free of my very, very tall white walls!I followed his advice on color selection and coordination and the results were great!

Christopher Lowell'sSeven Layers of Design
Very helpful.Well written.Easy to read.Great ideas!

Seven Layers of Design
I have never been a fan of Christopher Lowell, but I borrowedthe book from the library on the off chance of getting ideas on using colors.It turned out to be extremely helpful and is filled with great ideas on the use of color and making the most of a room.I have now purchased it for myself and my daughter-in-law to have available for future decorating projects.A word of caution, to really get the most out of the book read it, don't just thumb through the pages looking for ideas.You need to read and understand his Seven Layers for optimum use.
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Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - General    6. House & Home / Decorating   

Editorial Review

Books about pared-down minimalist décor--most of them featuring the much-ridiculed all-white-box room with one lonely straight-backed chair in the center--are plentiful. Few people can actually live in those rooms, though, and for those who prefer a little color in their lives, there's Jane Cumberbatch's Read more

Reviews (5)

OK for a Browse
Liberal use of white space and highlighted key words try to lend weight to the flimsy text of this lifestyle book.Unfortunately there is barely enough content for a series of newspaper columns.
Down-to-Earth Living Style
"What is this life if, full of care,
Great photos, silly text
This looked very tasty and the photos are indeed quite lovely. Unfortunately, there is not an original idea in this entire book. The author sets herself up as the next Martha Stewart but she just hasn't got it. Take this excerpt on serving raspberry fool "Spoon it into small wine glasses or secondhand 1930s ice cream glasses." Yuck! They HAVE to be secondhand, and 1930s, not '40s. The whole tone of the book is ignorant and twee. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior decoration    7. Interior decoration accessorie    8. Interior decoration accessories    9. Psychological aspects    10. Reference    11. Architecture / Interior Design    12. Home   

Reviews (6)

Too Primitive!
The disigns elements were too rustic for my taste.I was looking for more of a casual elegence.

Ótimo livro sobre casa toscanas
Recomendo esse livro para quem, como eu, pretende construir no estilo toscano. Claro est� que n�o se encontra mais tijolos de 300 anos, por�m, pode-se ter completa id�ia de como � o ar de uma propriedade toscana. �timas fotos e boas dicas.

Tuscan Elements
This is the best book of its kind that I have seen on basic Tuscan home design elements. Concise descriptions, beautiful photgraphy. I would heartily recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture, Domestic    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Gardens    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design - Style Books    8. Interior decoration    9. Italy    10. Tuscany   

Reviews (3)

Truly Wonderful!
This book has delicious, detailed pictures that calmly transports readers into the most wonderful parts of Indonesia.I was looking for a book that would give me design ideas to use and this book delivered those ideas and more. If you're looking for authentic,tropical designs, I think this is one book in which to begin your journey. Get it, sit back and enjoy the absolute beauty it has to offer.

I love this book!
I love this book. I've always dreamed of living in Indonesia. This book has many magnificent pictures that makes me more excited in moving there with my family! This is a great book because it exhibits many architectures unique to the balinese culture and would truly be enjoyed by anyone interested in tropical designs. I highly recommend it.

Great book!!
This book features many amazing pictures- of exclusive hotels as well as private homes.I was most impressed with the pictures of Amanjiwo- a famed Aman resort - and with Begawan Giri in Bali. This book is also well laid out and well written.Highly recommended for people who are interested in Balinese and tropical architecture and design. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Interior Design - General    5. Interior Design - Style Books