Interior Design Books

Reviewer: Charliep "Charlie" (Colorado)
The Mystical Guide to Home Inspection is a book every home owner should read. This book provides tips on maintaining your home, energy saving advice, tips for when you're buying and/or selling a home and it provides you with a guide on how to turn your house into your "home sanctuary". This is much more than a book on home inspection, it really helps readers understand and appreciate their home environment. I highly recommend it.

Charlie Perry, Associate Broker
Prudential Colorado Real Estate

Very highly recommended to all people in tuned with their surrounding energy considering selling their house, The Mystical Guide To Home Inspection: Thoughts From A Holistic Home Inspector by Faith Ranoli (a spiritual minister and speaker who draws from more than 30 years of construction experience as well as her expertise in Geobiology and Earth Acupuncture) is a knowledgeably written, thought-provoking guide to the most effective ways to utilize the natural laws of energy to pass a home inspection with intent to eventually sell. The Mystical Guide To Home Inspection prepares the reader for maintenance, safety, money and energy savings, and how best to approach or interview a house inspector, creating a very tactfully written and "user-friendly" reference for all home-sellers.

I get it now! Finally a book written in PLAIN English. As a seller, I needed to know what inspectors would be looking for as they walked the halls and crawled through the crannies of our house. Faith has made it easy to understand what we need to do.
A must-have for every home seller! Thank you Faith

Being a realtor, I appreciate Faith's expertise in all aspects of home inspection, not just the obvious. This book explains in easy-to-understand terms what makes a home "tick" and all related issues. If you are thinking of buying a home or already own one - this book is a must-read for many reasons. It's "nuts & bolts" and beyond!

This book is of great need to everyone interested in buying or selling a home. It gave so much information and insight. I loved this book and will always refer to it. They would also make great gifts.I never looked at any house with this awareness. THANK YOU! It was fun and informative.

thick book,man. I have to carry it to school for my class.
it has all need about Inerior Design profession

The reviewer prior to myself I feel summed it up best when describing this book. The author has written the book as if she's always been your trusted friend. She writes in a way as if she is actually talking to you.

Other books I've read often come across a bit too technical and slightly over my head. This one is more down-to-earth, packed with good advice, and one can sense her sincere concern for the reader to understand.

I really love the entire book, especially the chapter dealing with ethics. Since there are many "seasoned" designers who seem to lack ethical conduct, this book is great for beginners and veterans alike.

It was fast
It was what I ordered
Im happy, they're happy
Win Win!

This book reads like a friend whispering all the good advice and secrets of the interior design business in your ear. I wish my Professional Practices class had used this text. It's a lot of information but Christine Piotrowski truly takes you by the hand and lets you know what you need to prepare for in a budding interior design business as well as how the interior design business is done in general. I will be referencing this book again and again. A huge thank you and bravo to Christine Piotrowski

I have practiced interior design for over 20 years and still found this book to be invaluable. The information about legal ramifications and insurance coverage was enlightening but also sobering. It's a must read for any design firm principal or freelance designer.

I have lived, worked and travelled extensively in West Africa since the early 1970's and this is the first comprehensive book which assisted me in incorporating my beautiful art and artifacts into a living design for my home. I loved all the gorgeous pictures and the practical tips. The variety of design styles was also a welcome reminder of the diversity of Africa. I can't wait to read the next book by Sharne Algotsson. I only wish there was a magazine devoted to this subject as well.

This great book shows in text and photographs the various and beautiful ways that African artifacts: traditional fabrics, sculpture, paintings and drawings, popular and ubiquitous souvenir items and - most importantly - African-inspired motifs and designs, can be incorporated into (or the inspiration for) sophisticated contemporary room decor.

The authors have worked for the international design company Ikea, so their slant is design, rather than anthropology. They come at it in an energetic and engaging way. The result is a source book that is a visual treat, and a great home tour. The rooms - living, bed, kitchens (in which W. African design elements are adapted to ceramic tiles, with gorgeous results) and more - are lively, smart, and modern.

You notice in reading the text, and drooling over the abundant photos of the beautiful and stimulating rooms, that well-known European textile designers of the sixties (the Finnish company Marimekko, for example) owe a debt of gratitude to indigeneous African cloth designers. This is something I hadn't ever realized.

A lovely, inspirational, and worthwhile book.

I have traveled to West Africa and the Caribbean. This book helped me incorporate the artwork and artifacts I brought back from my trips into my day-to-day design. The things I have are no longer just "souvenirs," but are now part of an overall look and feel of my home. Now, when I travel, I have an eye for what I can do with my "stuff" when I get it home!

The authors and photographers have done a wonderful job.

It was a good book and I saw a lot of Ideas that I plan to use, but there were times that I thought they could have given more information about the masks,vases and other artifacts. Things like what the historical use was and where they came from But all in all I enjoyed it.

I just happened to be walking in my local mall and got a glimpse of the cover and was sold from then on. I am probably driving my family crazy but I am now inspired to redecorate my kitchen to resemble an african market. Thanks!!!!!!

These luscious photos capture the beauty of the tropics in a way that someone who has really lived there would know. These homes are not just show pieces, they are lived in and loved.
I first bought the author's work almost thirty years ago-he was doing open doors and bikes against European doorsteps as postcards. The colors were just as defined as they are in this book. He has a feel for the sublime as well as the intracies of daily life.

Excellent book with something for all tastes. Beautiful pictures make you want to go home and decorate immediately.

We are building a house in a tropical area and this book had some wonderful inspiring ideas. Best Tropical book out right now.

The cover is just a teaser to the exciting tropical houses Tim Street-Porter captures in this wondeful book. A real treat to exclusive tropical living around the world. Also an excellent reference to decorate in the tropical look. Street-Porter does it again as he did in Casa Mexicana. A book to enjoy over and over.

We are trying to get an "island" feel for our home and this book was the perfect reference. Not only are the pictures of the homes (inside and out) breathtaking, but there is enough detail about the decorating itself to be useful for our purpose. The only downside is that it makes you want to sell your current house and just travel the world staying in these amazing homes! Especially tempting is the contact information at the very end in case you actually want to rent one of them on vacation...

The author of this book has a lovely way with words and weaves a spell in her book about French Style living. The experience that this American lady acquires during her lengthy stay in France is beautifully executed in her descriptions of French Decor, dining, traditions, and the lifestyle of the French in general. This book is one of the favorites in my collection.

I was afraid that this book would be too over the top for an average decorator like me---but it wasn't!

The author has done a wonderful job at showing the reader all the various FRENCH styles:.... not only the more classic French styles, but also the more natural (Cottage) French style of decorating.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I will certainly refer to this book over and over again.

Twelve years after its first publication, Cheryl MacLachlan's Bringing It Home: France is still engaging and reassuringly practical. Not only does she provide detailed instructions on how to achieve authentic French interiors for all budgets--not just chateaux or upscale "French country"--her book also contains a wealth of information about related topics, such as four common fabrics (toile, jacquard, petit point, and provencal prints) and how to set a French table.

In researching the design and decoration of French houses, I've found this book to be far and away the most useful reference.

I've had this book for a few years now and it has regularly provided me with inspiration. I bought it when I moved into my first apartment and was obsessed with french country style. I referred to it a year or two later for recipes when I learned the importance and the pleasure of foods made with seasonal, organic, whole ingredients. And this evening I am referring to it for tips on my upcoming country wedding and am reading about how to serve dinner and the art of receiving. And perhaps in a few more years (or several more!) I will re-read the section on children and family with yet another new outlook. This book has been a wonderful resource!

I have a lot of decorating books, and I am not a huge fan of french interior, but this book is great! It is full of photos of classy decorated rooms, the colors are so tastefull and it makes you wanna go and redecorate your place until it looks like the rooms in this book. It is worth having it and I still go back and look at it, beacause it is sooo cool.

This is a beautiful book with gorgeous photos of Cuban architecture and furniture of the Cuba I left behind many, many years ago. I gave it to all of my siblings for Christmas and it was an instant hit! Its ovely pictures bring both smiles and tears. A must for those of us who want to keep a collection of what once was our life in Cuba before our exile.

Cuban Elegance is a great book, has wonderful photography and dipicts the elegant decore of Cuba and its architecture as well.

This is a great coffee table book of good quality. The colour photographs are excellent, accompanied by descriptive text. I bought it out of a sense of curiosity of how the more affluent Cubans might live. Unfortunately, as it turns out, I don't generally share their taste in design or dark furniture, but don't let that put you off an excellent and informative book.

THIS IS IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BOOK. THE PICTURES ARE BEAUTIFUL, THE TEXT REGARDING EACH ONE IS VERY CLEAR. IT HAS A GOOD FLOW AND MAY I DARE SAY IT IS A SEXY BOOK? IF THERE IS SUCH A THING. I WOULD RECOMMEND EVERYONE AND ANYONE TO GET IT. WHEATHER YOU'RE CUBAN OR NOT.

IT HELPS POINT OUT ALL THE BEATY THAT ONCE USED TO BE AS WELL AS THE ONE LEFT NOW AMIDST ALL THE DECAY AND ABANDONEMENT CURRENTLY AFFECTING THE ISLAND COUNTRY. I LOVED IT.

I recently bought this book and despite that I had never being in Cuba before this is better than the real thing. Cuba was one the biggest economies in the region and such growth gave the possibility to create one of the most selected elites in the Caribbean islands. That prestige and class is all what you can find in this book full of excellent pictures. The reading of the book is pleasant, accurate and, full of details. I was amaze by the work around Cuban furniture which reflects the passion of the author in the topic. It's worth 5 out 5 starts with any doubts.

There are so many ideas in this book that I've dogeared nearly every page, and my friends and coworkers will have to buy their own copies because I'm tired of lending it out!

This book is a visual feast for the eyes. The pictures are warm and inviting. The author really knows how to put rooms together and gives you wonderful examples to follow. A good book for anyone interested in interior decorating/design. Plus, it's a lovely enough book to use as a coffee table book.

I am currently pursuing a correspondence course in interior decorating and thought this book would help to augment my course materials. Well, my expectations were far exceeded, this book takes you step by step through the elements of design i.e. pattern, texture, scale,color, etc. Next, it outlines each area of home decorating with examples and suggestions, including great photos. Next, it takes you through each type of room and explains the purpose and the main considerations for decorating it. Great suggestions, examples!! I do not regret this buy.

This book is an excellent resource, filled with creative and beautiful ideas for improving your home interior's appearance. Helps the reader see interesting ways they can apply her ideas to refresh the visual design of their rooms. Very creative and inspiring, but useful and do-able ideas. Good job, Heather!

My Decorating Idea Book has given me many ideas and good tips. It's on loan right now to a friend who just bought a house and is moving in! I will hopefully build later in the year, but I want to know what I want before I begin. This book has the information and pictures I need to help me make decisions! I like it!

I am an interior designer with a start up company. The Design Directory of Window Treatments is an absolute much- this is an invaluable tool to someone who really needs assistance with window treatments. The CD is also a great tool. I could not be happier with my purchase!

Fabulous! Most comprhensive in the window covering industry. Which does make it large and heavy. Highly recommend this book

This is a great source for interior designers, decorators or for Professional Workrooms. Any window treatment imaginable is available for the customer to view. Definitely a good investment.

Fast and simple, my title says it all. The book is well worth the cost, with wonderful sketches and terrific organization.

The Design Directory of Window Treatments is a must have! It is chock full of beautifully drawn window treatment sketches. The attention to detail is phenomenal. This should be used as a textbook in design school b/c of the sketches and all the written information about window treatments.

I loved this book. I have many decorating books, but this is by far the best and also the most fun. I am already planning my pink and white checked bathroom!! So many ideas that I can't put the book down. Please Diana, write another.

This book is fabulous. Really gives you a neat perspective on the ease of covering walls and ceilings with dramatic fabrics. Also can make your rooms look like those of a castle! Just love it, used it to transform a relatively "vanilla" bedroom into a sultan's chamber!

I really enjoy this book every time I pick it up. I may not want to completely cover the walls of a room in fabric, (although now I know how) but I do want to make the most of a very small decorating budget in my pretty average home. Diana Phipps helps the reader to see how much can be done with a staple gun, some paint and imagination. I am now making over a powder room with an ugly floor and battered vanity. Instead of spending my money on replacements, I'll spend my time making them unique! Although Ms. Phipps' style is very traditional in most of the photos, I think the methods she uses could be applied to more contemporary settngs also. You do have READ the book as there are not as many photos as most decorating books published now. Well worth the small sum I paid--my house already looks and feels more beautiful.

Do you still remember the joy of a discarded refrigerator box? Cutting the windows and doors, stapling scrap fabric to make curtains, drawing a flower box on the side? "Affordable Splendor" describes creating dramatic, low-cost interiors that are actually play houses for adults.

Phipps' stone barn in Oxfordshire is a filled with trompe l'oeil such as faux stone tiles, tapestries, and even kitchen items painted on non-existant shelves. She's endlessly clever and can put together a canopy bed out of a swaths of fabric or make an alcove into a cozy nest. She offers line drawings, photographs and instructions on low-cost decorating that can't possibly be confused with mass produced furniture. Guaranteed: your neighbors won't have anything like it!

I've enjoyed this book for over two decades, and it's one I come back to again and again. Highly recommended.

You probably won't make your own lampshades, but Diana Phipps can show you how. She knows how to do everything - or at least, some version of it. She's modest about her considerable accomplishments, and her good humor makes this book enjoyable as well as useful. When last heard from (in Architectural Digest) she was back in the Czech Republic, refurbishing the family castle. But if Random House wanted to make a buck or two, they could reprint this book: it's timeless. If you like the look she gets (and I do, I passionately do) you couldn't ask for a more encouraging guide.

The entire book is beautiful! The instructions are easy to understand and the blocks come out easily. This quilt can be done in other colors and it also shows how to make smaller quilts. It is truely a great buy.

This is a wonderful book for any quilter that loves applique or would like to learn the art of hand work! The instructions are very easy to follow and the patterns are fantastic! Anyone who purchases this book will find themselves addicted to these little blocks! Don't let the 4" size scare you off.....the blocks can be resized to suit your comfort zone.

I once thought I hated applique - but after trying the newer techniques I love to applique. The designs in this book are a treasure and varied. You can use your favorite colors and easily do it your way. i can see a future of a great number of varied Dutch Treat quilts being made. there is even a Email group of quilters doing these blocks.

This is a great book. I love all the designs. It is a must have for quilters who like recessed (reverse) applique and love to do hand work. I have not done much recessed applique and Judy's instructions are great and easy to follow. Don't let the 4 inch blocks scare you away!

This is definitely a must-have for Appliquéers in the quilting world. Judy has given great instructions for recessed (reverse) appliqué with clear and concise pictures to go by. The little blocks are wonderful. Some of the blocks can be a challenge but oh so rewarding when finished. You won't regret purchasing this book.