Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
Dated
Customer Rating:
The decorating ideas and concepts seemed dated. Even traditional looks don't need to look as stodgy as some of the designer's layouts.
boring and basic
Customer Rating:
The text of the book is decent but pretty basic. The pictures are anything but inspiring. Arrangements of furniture and choice of items are conventional to the point of dullness. The book will teach one how to hire a decorator, manage one's expectations is so doing, and ensure that one's home looks "decorated" by a professional rather than reflect any individual style. Fine book if that's the look to which one aspires.
One of the Best Reference Books Yet
Customer Rating:
I bought it because of a reviewer's comment that headboards should be a certain height above the mattress, something I had not read anywhere else (and was having an issue with pulling a room together). Upon opening it, my initial reaction was similar to "For the Pros, By the Pros" in that you had to have means to appreciate and get benefit from it. But I've read it through twice and gotten something different each time. Althought the rooms appear very traditional, as you look through you realize that the art and objects often are very modern. Then you realize the the design basics they lay out can be used with any style. The information covers all the bases (from architectural features, room layout, lighting through furniture, fabrics and decorations) and the order they are presented on are extremely valuable. And while yes, the rooms have stunning woodwork and high ceilings, the principles apply and can be adapted by those on any budget level. It's like clothing - there are many price points but if you don't understand the basics, its hard to pull off a cohesive style no matter what your budget is. Two additional things I loved about this book. First, books are incorporated throughout nearly every room and not just in bookcases. Second, I wished I could see even more of a room beyond the edge of a picture, and then I'd find it pictured from a different angle later on in to illustrate another section of the book. As a result, I went back over the pictures with a fresh eye to the design features I might have missed on the first pass. A terrific book.
A textbook for amateur designers
Customer Rating:
This is a book that should be read by anyone who is interested in design or just wants to decorate/redecorate their house. The book gives advice on decorating every room of the house in all detail, including sizes and measurements. The book is also lavishly illustrated with wonderful photos. You want to start decorating straight after you finish reading!
Get this book - You CAN Do This
Customer Rating:
I decided to weigh in on this book because 1) I feel so strongly about it and 2) Because of the disparity of opinion regarding whether this book can be used by amateurs, or is simply for professionals only.
I am a homeowner, with a limited budget, in the midst of a new home construction. I saw this book recommended in an issue of architectural digest as really forthcoming about the how-tos of decorating, not just pictures to drool over. I bought the book immediately and I love it. I can't tell you how valuable this book has been. I learned SO much.
I read it through cover to cover, then reviewed every picture again to assess the details, the use of symmetry, asymmetry, patterns, textures, trims, recurring themes and color schemes. It was incredibly informative, useful and inspiring. It completely prepared me to choose the surfaces in my home. It was useful for planning design details, such as how high the mantel should be and the appropriate distance between furniture pieces and how to achieve layers of light.
I have even purchased some of the resource material listed to further educate myself about antique rugs and furniture.
This book is for everybody. It's gorgeous and incredibly helpful.
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