Interior Design Books

If you are a creative person with a small budget for home decorating then this is a great book for you.There are tons of ideas and projects that will add alot of character to your home.If you want something that looks expensive and unique but don't have money to buy it,then you can make it.I would also recommend the Junk Chic books by K.Eliott and Flea Flea Market Finds also by same publisher as this book.

This book was ordered just so I would get free shipping at
Amazon along with another similar title. Easy Flea Market Style is fantastic!
Wonderful ideas and projects. Buy this one, you won't be disappointed!

If you are a creative person with a small budget for home decorating then this is a great book for you.There are tons of ideas and projects that will add alot of character to your home.If you want something that looks expensive and unique but don't have money to buy it,then you can make it.I would also recommend the Junk Chic books by K.Eliott and Easy Flea Market Style also by same publisher as this book.

Gorgeous, lavish book full of gorgeous photos and helpful information. Incredibly thorough. Wonderful resource for period set and costume design research.

This is an elegant large volume, full of paintings of 18th-century interiors and the families who occupied them. The result is an almost year-by-year record of the clothing, furnishings, and daily routine of the British in that era. Includes sketches from the booths at (now vanished) Vauxhall Gardens, Highmore's illustrations for "Pamela", and several detailed tea table settings. Rich resource for clothing information, as well.

Gorgeous, lavish book full of gorgeous photos and helpful information. Incredibly thorough. Excellent resource for period costume and set design.

This encyclopedia is a monumental reference work that addresses the broad interest in Christianity and religion around the world today. Comprehensive, up to date, reflecting the highest standards in scholarship yet intended for a wide range of readers, it describes the Christian faith and community in their myriad forms today and throughout the 2,000 years of Christian history. It also looks outward beyond Christianity, considering other world religions and philosophies as it paints the overall religious and socio-cultural picture in which the Christian church now finds itself in the new millennium. Written by leading scholars from many countries and cultural backgrounds, the more than 1,700 articles depict Christianity in its global context. Separate articles for every continent and for over 170 countries examine both the history and the current situation of the Christian faith worldwide. The book portrays Christianity in its widest ecumenical context. Major articles detail Christianity's rich spiritual and theological diversity in order to inform readers about religious traditions and perspectives beyond their own ecclesiastical frameworks. In its portrayal of Christianity, this encyclopedia also takes into account the current socio-cultural context, including other world religions, secular philosophies, cultural trends, and modern political and economic forces. Covering such current topics as abortion, atheism, Islam, modernity, and psychoanalysis, these articles describe the multifarious settings in which the Christian church today must maintain a credible witness to the ancient gospel. Finally, the encyclopedia presents Christianity in its rich historical context, starting with the biblical tradition and showing how the apostolic tradition developed and how the church has sought throughout history to keep faith with its traditions while engaging the world around it. Volume 4 contains 299 articles constituting the alphabetical entries P-Sh-articles on significant topics ranging from Paul, process theology, and the Qur'an to religious liberty, salvation history, and scholasticism. Like each volume in the complete encyclopedia, this book incorporates many enhancements of and additions to the third revised edition of the German Evangelisches Kirchenlexikon: Internationale theologische Enzyklopädie, on which this encyclopedia is based. Among the features of this English work are the following:
· articles on all but the smallest countries of the world, including former communist states that have gained their independence since 1989;
· the latest, best statistical information, compiled by David B. Barrett, on the religious affiliation and ecclesiastical breakdown of each country and continent;
· the addition of over seventy biographical articles on prominent figures throughout church history; and
· many expanded or entirely new articles that address topics of particular interest to English-speaking readers. Unparalleled in scholarship and breadth of content, the Encyclopedia of Christianity will long serve as the standard reference work for the study of Christianity in the past and the present-and its trajectory into the twenty-first century.

I'm a parish pastor, and spending over a hundred dollars for one reference book better be worth it. It is. Volume One contains 465 articles (alphabetically from A-D). Topics of current interest include "Abortion" and "Abortion Counseling" and "Black Churches." Information on most of the world's countries and the latest statistics are at my fingertips. Although the encyclopedia is based upon a massive German publication, this edition is written in American English. In my opinion, many of the articles would be useful for high school students and Sunday School teachers. I'm going to put Vol. 2 on my next Christmas "wish" list.

Every pastor and every lay person actively involved in the pastoral care of others in the life of the church should have this book on their near shelf for easy reference. It is an excellent resource - I especially enjoyed the variety of articles, some long and some short. Wide ranging topics - from "psychodrama" to "alcoholism", from "spiritual direction" to "retirement", it seems that nothing is left out. All articles appear to be well researched from a variety of fields, giving the reader a sense of the deep reliability and relevance of this truly interdisciplinary project. Useful!!!

This is one of the best books available to anyone interested in learning about the use and application of colour in design. Unlike many other books that deal with colour in a very theoretical sense, An Eye For Color takes a more practical approach - and in my opinion a more effective approach - towards understanding colour. It is essentially a book consisting of a large variety of artwork demonstrating colour application in multiple disciplines (examples include graphic, interior, products, fashion design, etc.). The selling point for me was the RGB and CMYK colour codes that accompanied each example. This allows me to view the colours used in an artwork side-by-side to further understand their interplay.

This book ultimately encourages one to experiment with colours, so opposed to trying to understand a set of theories, An Eye For Color works to enhance your sensitivity towards colour by giving examples of their application.

The author has taken an extremely complex task
and broken it down to its most basic steps.

As a designer and a teacher I believe this book
is an essential tool in every designer's hand.
An eye for color will empower professionals
and amateurs to take fear out of color.

The science of color is presented as a wonderful
statement of harmony so the user can enjoy
the creative process. Treasures like this are
hard to find.

The book's layout is also brilliant.
Bravo!

This book has no rules, theories, or much text at all for that matter -- just page after page of works of art and design, along with a color palette of two or more of the important colors in each of the works (given in RGB and CMYK). If you are trying to do a project where you can control your colors precisely (such as web design), you can simply choose a subset of the colors in one of the examples. In projects where you have less precise control (interior design for example) you can still get a lot of ideas by studying the examples in this book. If you have little experience with color selection and are looking for a fast path to finding a sophisticated color scheme for a design or to developing your color sense in general, this book is worth its weight in gold. This opinion comes from a person with no formal training and very little experience in visual design, but I suspect that, with more experience comes an even deeper appreciation for the subtleties of the examples in this book.

I don't even have children and I adored this book. First of all the imagery is beautiful - lovely lived in homes with extremely style-conscious parents and kids that do what kids do best - create mini piles everywhere. It was refreshing to see a book that revealed homes that are less than perfect. It was equally refreshing to read the book and see that it's not just another snobby design book written for the hipster families that aren't home long enough to spend time with their kids. These families know each other, spend time living together, and the parents maintain their roles are parents and the kids as children - in their proper place while still allowed to live and be children. So many families put their children as the center of their universe, something I always saw as extremely unbalanced and a great way to spoil them - this book embraces the idea of living as a functional family unit where the focus isn't trying to adjust to the kids but that the kids need to adjust and apply to the rules set by the parents. I can tell the author grew up with many siblings and that her parents were good ones because balance is a huge part of this book. I enjoy her philosophy on eating and cooking together - how enjoyable it is for children to participate in the preparation process. Not opening a can and heating it in the microwave, but feeling the texture of veggies, cutting fresh fruit, having fun - enjoy the sensory experience, the textures, the things that make food so enjoyable. Teaching them how to eat good food that is good for them.

I could write paragraphs on the beauty of this book, it's so impressive, honest, down to earth without being granola, and extremely easy to follow. Again, the photographs (hundreds!) are gorgeous, and the paper quality is the best, it's not high gloss and special, it feels good on the hands.

Best of all, this book is good on the heart. It's really sweet. It would make for a perfect present to friends with kids or friends planning on having them.

I keep this book next to my desk at all times. Instant soothing, instant inspiration. Amazing pictures, useful, meaningful text. I love it.

This is certain to become a coffee table favorite. This is not only a family inspired book but one full of design inspiration and just plain beauty in a home. The author incorporates all these areas and creates a book for all to enjoy.

There are many Feng Shui books on the market. I own quite a few myself. That is for sure. This one belongs to the better ones. I like it a lot. It helped me to become aware of different spaces I visit and it expanded my understanding of this complex subject. It is useful even if you work only with your home.
I'd recommend it warmly.

Only one thing irritates me: the way they print the W in the figures. Wall looks something like KJal. But hey, it's a minor issue. I can definitely live with it.

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.

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.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

First of all, I must admit that I had never heard of the Franklin Report
until a real-estate broker colleague of mine
was talking about giving copies to all of her clients. At the time, I needed
to find an architect for a large project, soinquired about the book. Since
then, it has taught me a lot about the home services buisiness. I've really
found theFranklin Report to be an amazing tool that saves me time,
aggravation and in the end -- money. The book givesme all the research and

information that I would otherwise have to go and spend hours digging for. I
once called anarchitect whose name I overheard at the office to renovate my
townhouse and I was so embarassed to find out hewas a modernist and
basically scoffed at the traditional design I wanted! Now, I've put together
a list of the book'shighest rated traditional architects and interviewed
them all. In the end, I got the best quality for the budget I
hadanticipated -- thanks to the Franklin Report. Now my friends want to know
how I know so much about the business -- so I quietly tell them my industry
knowledge came from The Franklin Report.

I bought the Franklin Report originally for the same reason I subscribe to Architectural Digest and House Beautiful. I like to keep current on the big names in interior design even though I'm not about to do a two million dollar apartment. What I've found, in addition to bringing me the most informed and comprehensive round up of decorators, is that this book includes much more functional business that I need to use all the time. Most important is that these companies, used by the best ID's in town, are totally accessible to you and me. It really is the first place I feel I've found a credible stable of usually suspect trades. Plumbers, air conditioning guys, painters -- I've found them all with eye-popping results. So while I may not be hiring the fanciest decorator in town to redo my home, I certainly can find some startlingly professional and nice people to improve it at rational prices. My only criticism is I wish they had more categories. I need a good roofer!

For those of us who choose not to buzz around the social circles of Chicago's Gold Coast co-op's and North Shore newcomer's groups, it's nice to know there's a resource to get some juicy word of mouth recommendations without mind-numbing cocktail-speak. The Franklin Report is just that, a who's who power list of the city's decorators, contractors, electricians and other what the book deems "home service providers." It's not only a useful tool that blows the yellow pages out of the water and makes your dentist's sister's yoga instructor's on the side-furniture restoration business a non-call, but its an enormously entertaining read. Anytime an industry gets sized up and ranked, especially with the egos involved in design and the notoriously insulated, fragmented building industry, it's a hoot. The reviews are concise, on target and written with a certain restrained tongue in cheek, reminiscent of Zagat's, which this publication is surely trying to emulate. It's a more complicated subject, but I think they pull it off at The Franklin Report. If anything else, it's a must have for anyone doing a home remodel or who just wants to know the right names to drop at the next
cocktail party.

Elaine R.
Lake Forest, IL

New age mythology comes to life in a survey of the history, forces, and legends of the gargoyle, a fine history suitable not only for new age and metaphysical studies collections, but for libraries in which mythology and icons feature. From their evolution and incorporation into buildings to their modern use in magickal practices and warding, this provides a fine survey perfect for new age collections in particular and general-interest holdings strong in mythology.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I just finished the book yesterday! I didn't really know much about Gargoyles going in and wasn't surprised to start learning right away. Susan has a wonderful way of writing that is interesting and conversational. This book touches on all aspects of Gargoyles from history to modern use. She also brings to the surface many ways we can use Gargoyle energy in our daily lives.

Bravo and well done! Check this book out, you will not be sorry!

This is definitely a must have book. I have read it through twice now since I got it and I am sure, I will find even more that I missed the next time around. The book is fascinating, Professor Moonwriter not only gives you the history of gargoyles, but blends in a history of the times, gives you tidbits of interesting information and the flow and manner of writing make it a pleasure to read. Whether you are an aspiring wizard or just interested in gargoyles this is a great book. And whether you are 9 or 99 you will enjoy reading it.
Bright blessings, Donella Lyonesse

Whether your interest is home theater, or movie palaces from the 1920's and 30's, Great Escapes is sensational!
Once I opened it, I couldn't put it down and trust me with 204 pages loaded with 140 color photos of breathtaking architectural eye candy, this book will demand your focus.
Kalomirakis brings the elegance of yesteryears movie palaces home with the help of writers Steve Castle, Dean Koontz and photographer Phillip Ennis.
You can truly see Kalomirakis' love for the big screen in the architectural details he adorns his private cinemas with. No details are spared in Kalomirakis' work from neon marquees and ticket booths welcoming visitors to his theaters to opulent lobbies adorned with domed mural ceilings and snack bars and timeless columns.
A few times while reading this book, I had to remind myself that the featured theaters I was viewing were in someone's personal residence.
I have to say my personal favorite theater in this book was created for author Dean Koontz called "The Moonlight." Koontz also has an introduction in the book.
Even though most of the theaters in this book take up more square footage than the average persons home. And even though theaters designed by Kalomirakis are beyond the financial means of most people, this book can serve as inspiration for those that want to bring home the silver screen on a lesser budget and do it in style.
Theo Kalomirakis' newest book Great Escapes definitely brings home the look of the movie palaces of yesterday.

Lavishly illustrated with one hundred gorgeous color photographs by Phillip Ennis, Great Escapes: New Designs For Home Theaters By Theo Kalomirakis by Steven Castle presents extravagant designs for "media rooms" in private homes. These are specialized entertainment oriented rooms set aside to take full advantage of surround sound, acoustics, and visual appeal to bring forth the same quality experience as visiting a theater. Great Escapes showcases the work of interior designer Theo Kalomirakis as it artfully presents his work in creating home theaters of celebrities such as Dean Koontz, Eddie Murphy, Roger Ebert, and others in this unique source of enduring ideas.

This is a book to die for. The photography is amazing, the architecture out of this world and what Theo Kalomirakis does for his lucky clients will blow you away. I am already wearing out my copy and I only have had it for two days.

Gorgeous photos, most in color; very readable text. Excellent heavy glossy paper, well done overall, well researched, well written. Super book on an artist who should be far better known than he is; a real genius.

A master of his trade, Grinling Gibbons astounds you with his work. In this latest book on Grinling Gibbons, David Esterly adds something new to the usual discussion. He disects and explains the techniques that Gibbons used to create his work. If you have marveled at Gibbons' work, you won't want to miss this book to have the secrets revealed at last.

Esterly has created scholarly yet engaging study of the life and work of Gibbons, arguably the greatest and most well known master of the art. Esterly delves into the thought processes behind the work of carving and reveals his intimate knowledge of the subject honestly aquired by countless hours at the carver's bench. Historians, woodworkers and art enthusiasts will be find his account of Gibbon's life and work as complete a treatment of the subject as they could hope to find. While there is much carefully explained technical information concerning the mechanics of carving and creating Gibbon's monumental works it is presented with rare clarity and enthusiasm. Any serious carver should own and study this unparalled work.