Reviews (2)

The Essentials of Modern day living
This book has lovely photographs through out the pages.If you wish to find help someone achieve classic looks with modern touches. I wouldn't put it in the catagory with architecture, but Home and garden is right on the button. It shows many modern fixtures and various decorating styles which carry a clean open space environment that is seeked in a our modern day living. I enjoy going back to this book always for inspiriation. It has variation in bold or simple styles. If you are looking for a affluent look you will not find it here. If you seek artistic modern day looks this is your book.

Pass up this Non-Essential Book
I was greatly disappointed in this book.I asked for it as a birthday present and promptly returned it.This book is not for people seriously interested in modern interior design or architecture.The book was MarthaStewart-type fluff.While filled with photographs, even those were barelyinteresting and certainly were not memorable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. History    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Interior decoration accessories    12. Residential Interior Design    13. Themes, motives    14. United States    15. Home furnishing & decoration    16. Interior design   

Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Architecture    3. Decorating - General    4. Domestic    5. History    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Homes and haunts    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Single men    12. Architecture / Interior Design   

Reviews (3)

Ideas, Ideas, Ideas
I found a few ideas to try that I never would have tried prior. Not everything is for everyone, but most should be able to pick out one or two projects that pay in themselves for the cost of the book. I would have, however, appreciated more step - wise pictures and having the instructions with the item, instead of in the back of the book.

Wish I Had Thought of That
I have to admit, I actually borrowed this book from the library first to see if it was worth purchasing and it definitely is!! Great ideas on fairly easy projects that I can't wait to try.I'm no Martha Stewart, but I think I could actually DO most of the projects in this book.Very inspirational and the projects actually look NICE, not like grade school crafts.I recommend it!

Flea Market Finds:Instant Ideas & Weekend Wonders
On the positive side, the photographs are excellent.That's the only good news.This book does nothing but tell you how to make ... out of ...I'd return it if I could.The directions are sparse and usually say, use according to manufacturer's directions.Oh yea, I paid for that little tidbit.You have to be a moron not to have come up with anything in this publication. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - Style Books   

Reviews (1)

They were not kidding when they titled this book "Attention to Detail."
This is one of the most informative non-textbook on interior design I have ever read.The author goes into great detail on the items she chose and why she chose them-hence the name."Attention to Detail" is split into three major sections with several chapters in each section.The sections are Casebook, Functional Detail, and Decorative Detail.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Domestic    4. History    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Interior decoration    7. Architecture / Domestic   

Subjects:  1. Architectural Design    2. Architecture    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Design - General    6. General    7. Interior Design    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Sri Lanka   

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive look
This book offered a historical view of cottages across several countries explaining why they were built the way they were.He then writes about the classic entrance to the cottage home.Following that he discusses theinterior broken down by areas of the house.He covers furniture, paint,kithchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.He finishes the book with a discriptionof the cottage garden and conservatories.The pictures are great.I hopeyou enjoy it as much as I did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Cottages    3. Country homes    4. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    5. Design & Construction    6. Domestic    7. Interior Design - Style Books    8. Interior decoration    9. Residential Interior Design   

Editorial Review

As Western lavishness collided with striking native elements in the vast reaches of the East African savanna, the Safari style was born. Blending ethnic African with colonial European, the look emphasizes relaxed yet luxurious living, drawing on an elemental approach to texture, color, and pattern, and on indigenous materials and design. Exploring 21 spectacular homes in glorious color, Read more

Reviews (5)

As useful a memory guide as a hunting trophy
One should not get the idea that the "camps" depicted in SAFARI STYLE have anything to do with the experience of safari.I have stayed in both tent and cabin camps and they were comfortable.They were not, emphatically NOT, anything like these.However, after safari is only a memory and an anticipation, a room decorated with ideas put forth in this volume will help soothe the longing until you can really go back.Whether your goal is to compile your memories in photos, watercolors, or traditional heads and horns a "trophy" room decked out in Safari Style will end up being the most satisfying in the home.

Romanitc,exotic living found here, but not for the timid!
Safari Style is the quintessential insiders design source for creating African interiors. At over 200 pages, literally every other page has a full page color photo on it! While this book is a feast of exotic interiors, exteriors are featured too, they include a wide array of domiciles: rugged tents to palaces to tree houses, and game camps to very exclusive lodges. In fact, at the back of the book, the author has generously offered up a �Safari Guide,� complete with addresses and phone numbers of many of the books featured sites, for those of you inspired to go to these places! Luxurious lives of the expats
One side of me recognizes that the younger sons of the Empire without great resources "went out" to Africa where they could live like princes on comparatively little [comparative only for Europeans, of course]. The other side wishes I had enough decadence in me to have lived in Happy Valley. There is no pretense that this is anything other than splendid housing for Europeans, not native Africans, and it is honest about malaria and the like, without mentioning politics. Nonetheless, I am happy to put this on my shelf with more technical works on indigenous African architecture. The work offers splendid structures built of simple materials on simple plans in which I could happily end my days relishing the elegant detail. The rich melange of styles effectively denies any dim notion of East African cultural isolation. Here Arab, Persian and Indian met and married native genius, and biologists know the offspring of heterosis are often ravishing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa, East    2. Civilization    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration    11. Interior design    12. Pictorial works    13. Residential Interior Design    14. Architecture / Interior Design    15. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (3)

What makes this book terric?
The book is terrific, no doubt about that. However, I am so disappointed about the 2 reviews, which missed the whole point: What makes this book terrific? The answer? Not the pictures! Definitely not. It is the text.
loft review
I live in a loft in NYC and this compilation of loft photography is one of the very best I have purchased and viewed over and over.

EXCELLENT LOFT BOOK
Excellent book showing great photos of spaces that its what I was looking for, it shows you how to save space and great floor, windows, bathrooms designs for all your needs in a loft. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Construction    3. Domestic    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Interior decoration    8. Lofts    9. Remodeling for other use    10. Residential Interior Design    11. Architecture / Interior Design    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. Interior design   

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Architecture    3. Design - Decorative    4. Design - Textile & Costume    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Interior design    8. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (2)

Very good hotels selection (Europe)
Hi,
A BOOK TO DREAM ON
Someday (when I win the lottery) I'll board a plane and visit every one of the luxurious hotels featured in this gorgeous volume.Dreaming, you say?Well, it's easy dreaming curled in an arm chair with 400 beautiful full color photographs detailing the homes-away-from-home for the privileged. These are havens where luxury is not a luxury but the norm and no request is denied.Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design - General    3. General    4. Interior Design - General    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Europe    7. Hotel & holiday accommodation guides   

Reviews (1)

An Excellent Addition to Your Library!
This book offers a serious, well-informed, insider view of the hotels currently at the avant-garde of interior designing. Many of the properties illustrated represent "la creme de la creme" of the hotel industry in the past decade; and least to say are well worth staying at.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Interior Design - General    3. Interior Design - Style Books    4. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (4)

Contemporary Thai
It's a typically and exclusively fantastic book. It helps me study and learn a lot more about contemporary Thai style to start decorating 1 of the rooms in my house in that style. Highly recommend this book to all of readers and Thai-style or Asian-style fans.

Wow, do I love Thai style now!!!
I loved this book. It's a feast for the eyes, and is a great introduction to Thai style. While Japanese, Zen and Feng Shui styles have been overexposed lately, Thai style is a secret so wonderful, it won't be a secret much longer. Visually Stimulating
I was in BORDERS BOOKS shopping for some audio tapes, and decided to check-out what was in the Home Decorating Section. I discovered this MARVELOUS book. I was captivated by the photographs on each and every page. For those individuals seeking design ideas, color options or furniture placement this is a MUST HAVE! The photographer did a marvelous job capturing the essence of Thai Design in the modern home. This is definately my next purchase when I go back to the book store. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. History    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. House furnishings    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Interior decoration    10. Thailand    11. Art styles not limited by date    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. Interior design   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Construction    3. Design - Decorative    4. Design - Furniture    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    10. Interior design   

Reviews (3)

Brunschwig & Fils Style
This book gives a very good insight into the history of Brunschwig & Fils and a very good addition to the library of anyone interested in Interior Design and decoration. There are some very good pictures with descriptions. There is also an interesting chapter on the making of fabric. I buy many books on interior decoration and one this was definitely worth buying for me.Heather Szczepanski

"Good design is Forever"
Murray Douglas is a scholar of historical design. She is keenly aware of the importance of using contempory trends to compliment culturally historic design.The book becomes a resource not only of the history of Brunschwig & Fils and its textiles, trims and wall coverings, but of how well-known designers have integrated the Brunschwig line with their own flair and client's needs.She gives a useful history of the manufacture and use of textiles, trims and wallpapers. Douglas and Irvine tell the story of McLean's photographs as they create a pallette of comfort and style with color and sophistication.I use the book as a text and photo resource for all of my design projects!

"Good design is Forever"
Murray Douglas is a scholar of historical design. She is keenly aware of the importance of using contempory trends to compliment culturally historic design.The book becomes a resource not only of the history of Brunschwig & Fils and its textiles, trims and wall coverings, but of how well-known designers have integrated the Brunschwig line with their own flair and client's needs.She gives a useful history of the manufacture and use of textiles, trims and wallpapers. Douglas and Irvine tell the story of McLean's photographs as they create a pallette of comfort and style with color and sophistication.I use the book as a text and photo resource for all of my design projects! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Brunschwig & fils    3. Decorating    4. Decorating - General    5. History    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Textile Fabric (Applied Arts)    11. Textile fabrics    12. Textile fabrics in interior de    13. Textile fabrics in interior decoration    14. Wall coverings    15. House & Home / Decorating    16. Other manufacturing technologies   

Editorial Review

A house that's designed to be beautiful and house an active, energetic family may seem like a tall order for an architect, but the 24 homes featured in Read more

Reviews (7)

This is a lot to find in one book
I first checked this book out of the library, then liked it so much that I bought it. With 24 homes in it this book was a bit overwhelming at first. It took me a week to carefully read. I agree with the reviewer who said that the floor plans were disappointing. I believe that was intentional so that people don't "steal" the architect's designs. The descriptions at times were too brief and frustrating in their lack of citing sources for materials. The book, though, does what it set out to do very well; promote the concept of flowing and multi-use space as the new design for modern living. Some of the ways that these families customized their homes to their lifestyle are amazing. Everyone should have a custom home because they have a custom lifestyle and preferences. Some of these families made the trade-off of a smaller house to own a custom house that they could afford. These people and their homes are inspiring.

The New Family Home for Al Gore's "Richest 1%"!
No no no.This book should be titled "The New Family Home for the New Economy", since practically all of the example homes described could only be afforded by folks who cashed in their dotcom stock options in March of 2000.I hate to bash a book with Jim Tolpin's name on it, but it's hard to believe that this was written by the same guy who brought us "The New Cottage Home" and "Built in Furniture".The idea is right on: homes should be able to adapt to our needs as our needs change.But there are more creative ways of achieving this goal than building a separate room for every activity (a media room, a game room, a home office, an exercise room, and on and on and on, all of which, presto-change-o, turn into something else when we decide little Billy needs a PlayStation room or mommy needs a yoga room), not to mention "Great Rooms" scaled to Jolly Greeen Giant proportions. I would recommend "More Small Houses" or "Building the Not So Big House" (as well as Tolpin's other books mentioned above) as better alternatives.Even if you really do need a bigger house, these books show how small spaces can accommodate more -- more stuff, more activity, more living -- and nothing could be more important in this day of starter-McMansions andastronomical building costs.

Great general ideas for a "family" house
We are in the pre-beginning stages of building...writing down ideas, concepts, before hiring an architect to design. This book is great for its general ideas in regard to family houses. The ideas of combined kitchen/living space, children's "quarters", importance of master suites and ensuring the house will fit changing needs as children grow are great.I've taken notes on the concepts I like and would like to incorporate in our home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Architecture, Domestic    4. Design & Construction    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Housing, Single family    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. Specific Residential Buildings Architecture    10. United States    11. House & Home / General   

Reviews (3)

LOVE IT
This book is exactly what I was looking for! The reviews I read on amazon.com convinced me to buy it because they said it was great for someone who owned an art deco style house and they were right.I would recommend it.

Middle Class Art Deco
Many of the Art Deco reference books are very high quality "coffee table" productions that highlite museum quality Art Deco creations.They are fantastic books but as the owner of middle class Art Deco home, I know that objects presented in these books are way beyond my economic means.I can admire them but never afford these iconic art pieces.The beauty of Ingrid Cranfield's "Art Deco House Style" is that it concentrates on more modest homes and interiors.Nearly every page is filled with period photographs of house exteriors, furniture and other household objects.At $16 new or $10 used, this is a very reasonably priced reference book more suitable for the book shelf than the coffee table.A good value and highly recommended for the regular person with a 1930's home.

Very Nice
I really like this book a lot of pictures, it is helping my to decorate my thirties house. I surely recomend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating - General    3. History - Specific Styles    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Interior Design - Style Books    7. Remodeling & Renovation - General    8. Art Deco    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. Interior design   

Reviews (2)

great ideas for an asian inspired home
Nice ideas for using Japanese art and furniture.

excellent book of ideas and resources
Book contains abundant pictures with full descriptions of items and history.Also contains excellent resource section for U.S. and Japan. Terrific book for anyone interested in Japanese style interior design ... Read more

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

Reviews (4)

Great Coffee Table Find
This book is filled with great color photos mixing a country and cottage style throughout. I highly recomend it.

Terrific book
I love, love cottage style!I have many decorating books - many okay and many duds.This one is a keeper. Wonderful and clear photos.Recommend

BEST EVER DECORATING BOOK.
Completely "MY" style of decorating.So many affordable ideas on how to change color scheme for the seasons.Love this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Decoration and ornament, Rusti    6. Decoration and ornament, Rustic    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Interior Design - Style Books    10. Interior decoration   

Editorial Review

Tired of buying your furniture in giant warehouses an hour's drive away and struggling with assembly instructions once home, only to see the same table on the same rug in your friends' houses? Well, don a neckerchief and white blouse, pour a glass of plain old red table wine, put on some Billie Holiday, and prepare to reject "the dull conformity of mass taste and manners." Read more

Reviews (12)

book browsing verboten!?
I can't buy this book. Because unlike the time when I could go into a local bookstore (now locked and shuttered for good) and look through it, and even unlike Amazon's old system where we could see a lot of whole pages, only a few pages are available doe a buyer's inspection - too few, for a book which is primarily a picture book - to impress me enough to prompt me to buy it. If bookstores used this same policy, the books would be under lock and key, and little or no browsing would be permitted.
Great idea!
Move from mass consumerism andfurnish your home with interesting and found objects. Make your place different. Laugh at the" keep up with the jones" set and make your point.

unique, beautiful, colorful decorating
My husband and I are both artists of sorts, and like a profusion of handmade and vintage things in our home.Being a newly married lady having to set up housekeeping for the first time, I have read whatever books I could find on decorating.I found most advocated the kind of stiff, minimalist, store-bought look my husband and I so strongly wanted to avoid.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Design - General    3. Found objects (Art) in interior decoration    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Residential Interior Design   

Reviews (37)

Cluttered Country
The cover was the best photo found in the book. Many pictures showed busy rooms and cluttered kitchens. I love country chic style and am a HUGE fan of cath kidson and rachel ashwell as well as other books such as New Cottage Style and Country Chic. If you are looking for those styles, this is NOT the book. After looking through this book, i wanted to clean out my entire house due to the clutter overload.

3 and a half stars
This book is not bad, it has useful information, it has nice photos (some I've found a little dated).
Lots of great pictures & ideas
I like decorating books with less talk and more pictures. COTTAGE STYLE fits that bill. Caringer intersperses practical suggestions alongside pictures of tasteful and innovative cottage decorating. The creative juices flow! This book stays on my coffee table simply because I like to pick it up and peruse. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - Style Books    6. Interior decoration    7. Interior design    8. House & Home / Decorating