Reviews (4)

As good as it gets
A fine book on Buenos Aires.At Home in Buenos Aires features artists, expatriates, and a cast of very interesting Porte�o's and the houses they live in.The photographs are superb, the text well written.I read this book prior to visiting Buenos Aries and the book enhanced the visit.The book is a love affair with the city, its people, its history and its architecture. Don't leave home without it.Five stars.

At Home in Buenos Aires
This pictorial review of Buenos Aires is a stunning display of photos ofthe city, its homes and its people.Coupled with a descriptive narrative,the photographs, all in color, trace the history of the city and describemodern day Buenos Aires. It is awesome to see the turn of the centuryarchitecture of the various buildings and at the same time to be allowedinto the private homes of the city's residents.As an American visitor toBs.As., I found that this book allowed me to see areas that otherwise wouldbe unavailable to view. In later chapters of the book, the writer andphotographer take the reader to the city's suburbs and then on to the worldfamous Argentine estancias (ranches).I would recommend this book to thosewho have traveled to the city who now wish to be reminded of its beauty aswell as to the Argentines who may now live outside the country yet long fora reminder of what awaits their return. For those who have yet to visit Bs.As., this book is a fine substitute.

Very good book!
I found this book by chance on my last trip to NY.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buenos Aires (Argentina)    2. Description    3. Description And Travel    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Pictorial works    7. South America    8. Travel    9. Argentina    10. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration and ornament    4. Design - General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. India    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Interior decoration    10. Pictorial works   

Reviews (5)

A+ Design Book
This is a wonderful design resource book.The books shows the homes of some of the design world "greats". It is eclectic and not your run of the mill "pretty" interiors, but offers new directions in ways to think about design.

May Be a good Coffee Table Book
I was somewhat disappointed in this book because I was looking for something that would explain the "French Style" of decorating. This is more a book of the homes of Parisian designers, obviously with a lot of money. The rooms in the book are beautifully photographed and I liked the chapter called "Seven Trends for Today." These included brief text and lots of photographs of the Provincial, Provence, Eclectric, Eccentric, Atlantic, Chalet and 1930-40's style trends. There was a brief description of the style trends, but the photos that followed gave good examples.
Not What You Are Hoping For!
Having several books on French style and French Country style, many showcasing homes in France, this book is a huge disappointment.Few of the rooms are stylish, but rather, well just junky.I was looking forward to another look at French style in France, not just the interpretation of such in America.This is a coffee table book for those who have little design sense. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Design - General    6. Designers    7. Domestic    8. France    9. History    10. Home Improvement / Construction    11. Homes and haunts    12. Interior Design - Style Books    13. Interior decoration    14. Architecture / Domestic   

Editorial Review

The Swedish palette of soft pastels conveys an aesthetic simplicity like no other. Even though I do not live in a stately mansion or a castle (beautifully photographed throughout the book) I became inspired to add the same colors and textures to my own decor. Stenciled borders, tromp l' oleil, marbling, and delicately painted wall canvases add harmony and warmth to your living space. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Swedish interiors through the centuries
The cover and the look-inside-glimpse do not do this book justice att all. It's not all that rural and folksy, but has wide range of interiors from palaces, mansions, farms and cottages. The in-put from Italy (and later France) was huge in the days when Sweden was a major European power in the 17th century. The book moves on into the Gustavian era of simple elegance and continues to regency and the summer-houses that became popular in the 19th century. A very well illustrated book with excellent photos.

The Swedish Room
Beautiful book, well researched and written with carefully selected and beautiful photos. A must have for anyone interested in Gustavian interiors and the homes that contain them. The interiors selected for this book are the relatively simpler ones with soft color schemes and a cleaner, pared-down look- ones more acceptable to contemporary tastes -rather than the gilded neoclassical palaces of the same period. If you are interested in the more palatial interiors of the same period I recommend: Neoclassicism in the North, Swedish Furniture and Interiors 1770-1850 .I noticed in browsing through this book, that a number of the interiors selected for inclusion in The Swedish Room are actually the simplest rooms in otherwise grand palaces. Comprehensive & useful
I have found this book a constant inspiration when considering the Swedish style in general and Gustavian in particular. Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Interior decoration    8. Residential Interior Design    9. Sweden    10. Architecture / History   

Editorial Review

Vivid colors, bold simplicity, textural contrasts, stone, tile, and stucco--these are the hallmarks of this refreshingly unpretentious style, which is easy to live with and surprisingly simple to evoke at home. Vibrant photos and detailed, practical text explore all the elements of the look and explain what to do with your own walls and floors, windows and doors, furnishings and accessories to re-create the look. And the 12 step-by-step projects (including sand-textured or distempered walls, a pebbled floor, a fretwork window screen, studded doors, and a mosaic tabletop) prove that it doesn't take a huge effort or a huge budget to achieve the relaxed grace of this popular decor. The sun-drenched rooms filled with natural materials and accented with the occasional exotic touch (a filigreed lantern, Moroccan dishware, a kilim rug, Moorish arches, Spanish-style wrought ironwork) are extremely inviting--you'll want to sprawl on a cushy divan and sip a cool beverage as you drink in the enticing warmth of this wonderful style. Read more

Reviews (10)

I had to purchase this book
I've checked this book out of my local library three times. We've been working with an architect to design a French country house, very simple. No amount of pictures has conveyed the message of simplicity to our architect. He kept giving us elaborate Palladian designs, and I kept saying, "French Mas". not "French Chateau" and certainly not some Monster House version of an Italian Villa. We've decided to end this expensive misunderstanding and begin again with another designer, this time showing the simple pictures in "Mediterranean Style" to convey the simple rusticity that we desire.

Simplicity, Warmth and Inspiration
Due to unforeseen circumstances whereby my lower living area was suddenly subjected unceremoniously to several feet of murky moisture, I found myself in need of a partial home makeover, but with a shoestring budget and a short time frame.
Little bit too rustic for my taste
I just got this book, and although lots of others rave about the photos, the style is a little bit too rustic for my tastes. If you are looking to decorate your home a la small Mediterranean village style, this is definitely for you. However, you won't find any luxurious palaces or mansions here. This book primarily appeals to those who prefer the simple, assymetrical, and distressed look that evoke a centuries-old Mediterranean charm. If your home has fitted carpets or wooden walls as is typical in the San Francisco Bay Area, the style just doesn't seem to fit. I am also far from impressed with the text as it's kind of repetitive, the author mentioned so many times that the Mediterranean style is simple, open, and it evolved due to the balmy Mediterranean climate! As if mentioning the very obvious once is not enough. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Color in interior decoration    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    6. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    7. General    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Influence    10. Interior Design - Style Books    11. Interior decoration    12. Mediterranean Region    13. Residential Interior Design    14. Home furnishing & decoration    15. Interior design   

Editorial Review

In brilliant color, Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Tropical    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Florida    7. Gardens    8. General    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. House & Home    11. Interior Design - Style Books    12. Miami    13. Residential Interior Design    14. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Domestic    3. Artists    4. Arts In General (Multi-Subject)    5. Domestic    6. Europe    7. Homes and haunts    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Literary landmarks    10. Architecture / Interior Design    11. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    12. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (1)

An invaluable resource for ideas and information.
The use of logs in constructing classic lodges and cabins are enduringly popular structures with the American public. Log Spirit shows the home building and remodeler that by adding architectural details (stairs, lofts,and doors) can transform any dwelling into a cozy log haven that will feedthe spirit, enrich the soul, and provide an architectural style that isquiet, simple, and minimal. Beautifully illustrated throughout withimpressive, full color photography, Linda White covers all aspects ofarchitectural design including walls, roof systems, windows, doors,porches, posts and beams, starts, lofts, railings, stonework, nooks andcrannies, and "special effects". A wonderful book for simplebrowsing, Log Spiritwill prove an invaluable resource for ideas andinformation on log home building and detailing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - General    3. Design & Construction    4. Design and construction    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design - Style Books    8. Log cabins    9. Reference    10. Wood Construction    11. Home furnishing & decoration    12. House & Home / General    13. Mind, Body, Spirit    14. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (16)

food for thought
In a nutshell, a beautiful book with gorgeous photos and plenty of ideas. In the few days that I've had it, its been used frequently to clarify and illustrate our own ideas about the cabin that we're planning. As far as I'm concerned it has paid for itself already.

Down with McMansions
God, this book is so lushly illustrated with cozy spaces and intimate hideaways that you just want to scramble for the hills after one read-through. All the houses in it are deliciously comfy and cozy, illustrating the forgotten principle of 'just enough', all look just big enough,a nd all look terribly inviting and tempting.This book is cabin porn, basically.

Invites repeated browsing
I love this book.I keep going back to it for ideas for building a summer sleeping structure for my large back yard.For people who love the outdoors and are drawn to the concept of living structures which invite the outdoors inside and vice versa, this book is full of inspiration.There is something for everyone in this book and you would be hard pressed not to find at least one structure in this book which has you itching to pick up a hammer and a saw.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - General    3. Design & Construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Domestic    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Interior Design - Style Books    8. Log cabins    9. Specific Residential Buildings Architecture    10. United States    11. Vacation homes    12. Wood Construction    13. Architectural structure & design    14. DIY    15. House & Home / General    16. Houses, apartments, flats, etc   

Reviews (7)

Did not like the book.
This book has nothing common with the classical English style if you are looking for it. It has dark, gloomy and boring room photographs. But, it has a useful information in the introduction part as it explains the history and challenges in English decoration style from early periods until now.

don't judge this book by its cover
I, too, thought this book would be the penultimate guide to English style.That would only be true however, if one believes English style to be unrelentingly grim, grim, grim.All the photographs (and there were fewer than one might have wished) were of dark interiors and unwelcoming, depressing rooms.Maybe Chippy Irvine could have just explored her husband Keith's work.This book does not represent English style at all, to my mind, despite its misleading cover.Glad I didn't pay full price for it.

Truly English
This is a good book, and you will like it if you favor English style. Some pictures are average, but I liked it. Very cool pictures of bathrooms! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decoration and ornament    3. Design & Construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. England    6. English influences    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Reference    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Architecture, Domestic    3. Designs and plans    4. Domestic    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Residential Buildings Architecture    7. Small houses   

Editorial Review

If you've always liked formal, high-ceilinged rooms with classic period furniture that some would call "stiff," or gravitate to cozy, intimate rooms with an interesting array of travel memorabilia that your neatnik friends might refer to as "clutter," there's a reason. Read more

Reviews (57)

Unique approach to style
This unique book addresses decorating styles based on personality - the visionary, the artisan, the idealist and the adventurer.It contains quizzes to test your style and then shows examples of each type of room for each of the four styles.I liked the page of each style section that states -"You may be an artisan if ..." and it lists different traits. Also at the end of each style is the alphabet for each style - and it gives buzz words for each style.Very unique and creative; fun to read with good ideas.

Entertaining
I liked this book, I ended up giving it away to a friend and I will purchase it again and again.You will be able to share with your group of friends the personality test and understand why you like some stuff and why your friends like other things.

Disappointed
I guess I must be one of the few people that didn't like this book.The quiz may be simple, but it is not very helpful.I was excited to learn what personality Type I was, but when I looked at the photos, I didn't feel like it fit my design style.I think that only four styles is way too few to encompass the varity that is present in interior decoration.I was also disappointed in a similar book called Yes/No Design. Sometimes, if a book doesn't have very useful tips, but beautiful photos, I might still buy the book.The photos don't save this book from the reject pile. Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Interior decoration    8. Interior design    9. Psychological aspects    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Decorating   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Interior Design - General    3. Interior Design - Style Books    4. Hotel & holiday accommodation guides    5. Interior design    6. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (7)

MODERN 1950'S DESIGN
This is a wonderful coffee table book, a joy to browse through. It is profusely illustrated and contains a wealth of information.
Designers of the 50's
My sister has just bought a 1950's ranch home with some original features.I was hoping this book would help celebrate the house and give some ideas as to decor.Instead, it is a good overview of the furniture designers who influenced the furniture of the time.It's nice, but not what I was looking for, which was the physical living space/furnishings of the middle class of the 50's.

Mid-century is coming back strong!
Not that it ever really went away,but it appears that the GEN-X crowd is interesting in filling their lofts, condos, etc. with a touch of class and history.Those in the design know have always favored the elements of design that existed in the 50's and 60's,like they say good design is truly timeless.It would have been nice to see more coverage on DUNBAR and Edward Wormley.Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Design - Furniture    3. Furniture    4. Furniture Arts And Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Interior Design    7. Interior Design - Style Books    8. Art / Design / Furniture   

Reviews (2)

I love this book!
Aside from the fact a reader will gain new appreciation for the Larssons and their art, a reason to purchase this book is that it is gorgeous.Good paper, excellent color reproductions, a nice heft.If you admire Larssonand Scandinavian culture, this book is a "must have."

This book makes me happy.
I ordered this book sight-unseen as a gift, and thought "well, I like Carl Larsson's paintings, I'll get one for myself while I'm at it."I'm so glad I did!I realize that, before reading this delicious book, I had never really "seen" a Carl Larsson painting before.I didn't know that all those happy Swedish ninteenth-century domestic watercolor scenes actually documented Larsson's home and family, and I had no idea that his wife Karin was the creator of the fabrics, co-creator of the furniture and equal partner in what is not only a beautiful and original home environment, but one that has influenced interior design to this day, a hundred year later.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1853-1919    2. 19th century    3. Art    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    5. Decorating    6. Decorating - General    7. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    8. Europe - Eastern    9. Exhibition Catalogs    10. Exhibitions    11. History    12. Home Improvement / Construction    13. Interior Design - Style Books    14. Interior decoration    15. Larsson, Carl,    16. Sweden    17. Art / Design / Decorative    18. Interior design    19. Larsson, Carl    20. Larsson, Karin   

Reviews (3)

Spiritual journey and decorating combined
Finally, decorating makes sense!While some decorators approach decorating piecemeal, this author takes a much broader view.The author's premise is that you must understand what you want before you start actually decorating. The book then takes you on a journey of discovery. A Fun and Easy Read
Do you ever look around a room in your house and think:I never liked this room;it's too ___________ (fill in the blank!).That's how I was, but I was never sure what to do about it.This book is wonderful for helping you discover the styles and atmosphere you want your room to have and then how to create it.
Beauty Inside and Out
Thank you Denny for writing a book that makes a connection betweenmy home and my joy, my creativity, my spirituality and my love of family and friends. In What Color Is Your Slipcover, Denny Daikeler gently showed me a process of self-discovery that brings beauty to my life inside and out.Denny writes: "I will attempt to lead you to yourself and to the home life your soul deserves."
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Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Interior decoration    7. Personality    8. Psychological aspects   

Subjects:  1. Celebrities    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. General    4. Homes and haunts    5. Individual Photographers And Their Work    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Interior decoration    8. Photo Essays    9. Photography    10. Pictorial works    11. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    12. Individual artists    13. Interior design    14. Photographs: collections    15. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. House & Home / Decorating    7. JUVY-NON FICTION - JUVY-NON FICTION   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    4. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    5. Farmhouses    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Interior decoration    10. Residential Interior Design    11. United States    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. House & Home / Decorating    14. Houses, apartments, flats, etc    15. Interior design    16. USA   

Subjects:  1. Architectural & Industrial    2. Architecture    3. Domestic    4. Interior Design - General    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. ASIA    7. Africa    8. Australasia    9. Caribbean islands    10. Central America    11. Houses, apartments, flats, etc    12. South America