Interior Design Books

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.

Before reading this book I would have found it difficult to believe that I would be able to use the word hyperbole and the Eames Office in the same sentence. The work of the Eames Office remains beyond reproach and this book does offer some genuine insight into its multifaceted work but tends to avoid difficult questions and for the most part gives simple answers.

The book glosses over the realities and complexities of the Eamesian approach to design and the creative atmosphere of the Office. However, I think the title itself makes the authors intent clear. As a "primer" this book fits the bill in terms of the information included. My main criticism is that the author should have followed through and been more concise and direct. This book is verbose and practically glows with the repetitive and nearly-universal fond memories of the individuals interviewed. Worst of all, the prose has the faint sent of re-contextualization and hero worship (hard to avoid for a grandson).

Secondary to the above but still significant is the books poor quality of design and production. I found the book extremely difficult to read. The font and point size selected, compounded by the overly-wide text line length, made for uncomfortable reading. To top it off the paper selected displayed a surface glare that made reading the book all but impossible except in the best light conditions. The design renders it more a pretty-object rather than a functional book. On the other hand it looks good on the shelf... if you want to impress your friends.

If it weren't for the fact that this book is really about as good as any other design book, it would fair far worse. If you couldn't tell, I would recommend getting the book as there is not much out there on the subject thats any better.

I have had the pleasure of visiting the Eames House and the Eames Family (incldg Eames Demetrios--author and grand-son and Lucia --Charles's only child) on the occasion of the Charles's 100th birthday anniversary. What a delight! Before that wonderful trip, I had the benefit of reading this book which helped me fully understand the history and legacy of this important creative team and the family life that influenced them

It's a must have for any mid century devotee. Get it for your library and be inspired!

This is a great insight into the lives of the Eames'. I think many designers (myself included) think we know something of their lives and importance. This book is a true eye opener into their influence around the world. There is so much to learn not just from their work, but HOW they lived their lives. Very well written. A must read for any designer.

As you might imagine and the title implies this is a wonderful introduction to the work of the Eames' design office. More importantly it is a warm fun filled story of two wonderful and creative human beings who truly sought to make a difference in the world by living with integrity. I feel they succeeded and I think that anyone who reads this little gem will begin to see the connections that weave all life's little mysteries into a comprehensive story .

In 1988, filmmaker Eames Demetrios made the film, 901: After 45 Years of Working, a family record of the closing of the Eames Office shortly after the death of Ray. It was an objective attempt to capture the essence of the studio and design work created by Charles and Ray Eames and their multi-talented staff. Now more than ten years later, Demetrios has again recorded the studio and work in the book, An Eames Primer. The modest title implies an introduction and starting point to all the work of his grandparents but it is much more informative. What makes this book essential reading is the personal nature of the writing, connections, and the concept of "design addressing itself to the need."

Much of this personal nature is expressed in the chapter on the life of Charles Eames and Ray Kaiser before their meeting at Cranbrook, including extensive writing on each family history. This early period of their lives is illustrated by several drawings and paintings by Charles and Ray with each piece exhibiting a pleasing combination of color and form that would later become the hallmark of their work.

Demetrios devotes two pages on the issue of the Eameses signing with either Knoll or Herman Miller for the plywood group. This analysis, which isn't really dealt with in other books, is a rational and logical explanation of Charles and Ray's principles and their main concern about simply marketing a "good chair". For anyone interested in this crucial choice the author has formulated an essential case for the decision to go with Herman Miller.

One of the many highlights of the book is a wonderful collection of color photographs of different objects hanging from the ceiling of the Eames House that is pure aesthetic delight. Also, the bottom right corner of each page serves as a flipbook tour of the expansive 901 Studio.

What must have been an amazing event in film exhibition is Glimpses of the USA at the American Pavilion in Moscow in 1959. The seven-screen presentation of life in the United States shows a cultural identity of amazing diversity and Demetrios explains the process behind the production of this film. In an unbelievable set of circumstances, the American government had given Charles and Ray complete freedom to produce this film at the height of the Cold War with no "final cut" approval from Washington. Several pages also describe the production of the two versions of Powers of Ten. These films required experiments in film technology and camera work and Demetrios fully describes the process. The many contributions of staff members and outside consultants are thoroughly explained.

Throughout the book, many former Eames Office members and consultants describe their experience of working in the studio on the amazing variety of projects. Issues of design attribution are commented upon and examined for several projects.

Two days after finishing the book I retrieved Eames Design and several other excellent books and realized that everything now seemed much clearer after reading Primer. Perhaps Demetrios is correct in giving his work that modest title. The clean and clear connection has been analyzed and described so that it all seems so perfectly obvious. This is an informative educational book written in a casual but serious style and a worthy addition to a personal library.

When I saw the front cover of this book, esp. on Vogue magazine, it was very appealing. They are smart that they picked the best looking interior to feature on their cover. Elle Decor so chic, true, but not for long. You may get a little inspiration and maybe a little wow factor when you first flip through couple of pages, but not for long you will find it that the interiors soon become very similar. It is all the same setup, layout, furniture choices (lots of Chinoiserie and Hollywood Regency), and color schemes. I actually find it much more inspiring to read House and Garden UK version. I've seen too many of these kind of stuff and I am expecting something a little more bold and daring.

Looking for chic rooms that are inspiring? Ms. Russell does it again. Edited from the pages of her magazine,she puts together a great resource book and/or coffee table topper to give you a brousing escape from our own dreary interiors.

I bought this book for a friend who's an interior designer and ended up keeping it myself but of course, ordered another one for her. Why keep it? The book was different to what I expected. This exquisite book covers so many styles, ideas, lifestyles, etc etc it excited me enough to start redecorating my home. I've 'loaned' a couple of ideas from the book, mixed and matched others and am having the best time. 5 stars is well deserved for this absolutely necessary for every home book with it's great ideas. Not forgetting of course the fabulous photography.

This is a truly fantastic book. As a designer, I'm always looking for books that are original, with a sense of elegance as well as a sense of humor, and this book has it all. This is a very well-edited, diverse selection of the best that Elle has to offer.

This wonderful book clearly presents Margaret Russell's point of view. A couple of the featured interiors are "huh?". Being a subscriber to Elle Decor, I have seen many interesting interiors featured over the years and would have liked to have seen how they narrowed the choices down to these. But overall, it's a wonderful book and worth the moolah.
Stylemaven

A book must not be miss if you are looking for answer in feng shui as the author Eva Wong had all the question and answer you need to know.

Eva Wong's book has much in its favor. Historically, the selection of a grave site was one of the most important commissions a feng shui master would receive. You had to be at peace with nature for a long time, and this was no snap question.

Mistress Wong introduces you to this ancient Chinese landscape of the mind. I would never have come to appreciate the red raven formation in front of my Seattle home were it not for this informative book.

I do not pretend to be expert in these arts. Westerners used to consider all of this 'black magic.' This is fusion culture for those who like fusion cuisine. Bon appetit!

When I started to become interested in Feng Shui, I didn't know where to look. So many books are out there, but which ones are for real? And which ones are just jumping on the new fad band-wagon? At some point I came across some information on Eva Wong and decided to purchase this book. It was a great decision.

With Feng Shui, you have to realize that it is an ancient art that is so much bigger than what you read in a book. This volume is an excellent step in the right direction if you are desiring to learn about the tradional Chinese practice. It covers everything from the history of Feng Shui to taking readings of your home. It is simply amazing the time and knowledge that goes into this practice and Ms. Wong breaks it down chapter by chapter.

Taking time to really sit down and study Ms. Wong's book has been rewarding...and has me asking to learn more. One great piece of advice she does mention is to learn one or two books well...no need to ready everything everyone has written on the subject.

Wish I'd seen this book before I had read other books on the subject - I could have taken the author's advice to read a couple of them thoroughly than try to read a library's worth on this harmonious way of living and designing your environment.

Feng-shui has shed the image of "some Easern mumbo-jumbo that has no impact on modern life," as people have increasingly realized and accepted its benefits and become more aware of the need to live in harmony with the environment.

This is a great book on the subject - easy to read but full in addressing its subject. It should be required reading, not just for any urban or other planner, but for anyone interested in living a better life.

I had been searching for a good feng shui book for months when I found this one. This books is both beautifully written and a very easy read, which is quite rare for an instructional book. The layout of this book is a mastery in itself, and the cross references between chapters are great. Although I had originally planned to skim - or yes maybe skip - some of the chapters, I quickly found myself engrossed. The background information gave me a much clearer understanding of the art of feng shui and a strong foundation for its practice. Often I find teachers of Chinese art forms caught in a trap between a desire to make the art form easier for the Western world to adopt/understand and a desire to stay true to the art form as it should be practiced. In my opinion, Ms. Wong did a masterful job of avoiding this trap. It is at once a very practical, very beautiful guide. Thank you for a wonderful book!!

Why someone didn't think of this 100 years ago, I'll never know. Before making a 5-7 figure investment in your home, you'll never spend [your money]wisely.

I became addicted to the 1st edition of this guide book last Christmas. A temperature check of interior design and architecture, and an unrivaled resource for the more mundane (however talented) window washers and plumbers -- The Franklin Report offered good sport and hard information. So I was pleasantly surprised to find a brand spanking new NYC edition has hit the stands. The most noticeable difference this year is that the understated almost medical-journal like cover has been replaced by an equally elegant yet more consumer friendly facade. I liken it to the new twenty-dollar bills. Inside, the book is about a hundred pages longer, including an index that makes a name-search a million times easier. To my delight, every entry has been rewritten and customer comments expanded. And while the design establishment pantheon hasn?t been rewritten, every category in the report offers some great new finds to choose from. Looks like I picked the wrong year to stop studying up on designers!

Thanks!

This first rate book not only provides authoritative guidance on household services, it also provides very practical and informative advise on how to deal with the service providers and scope out the jobs involved. To have a rating for all relevant aspects of a renovation/price, quality and reliability, makes this effort very instructive.

This is truly a welcome compendium for New York City dwellers.

I have often wondered why this guide did not exist. You select a restaurant, you have a guide, you select a hotel, you have a guide -- you select an electrician and you end up with the guy with the biggest ad in the Yellow Pages. By definition, the guy with the biggest ad also is probably the most expensive -- he needs to work at least two jobs a day to pay his Yellow Pages bill.

This book finally give the consumer a leg up -- separates the pros from the inept. The research is top rate -- who does all this leg work? Certainly will become the bible -- now if only they will do a guide for my summer house locale. . .

Once you discover this book, you wonder how you ever lived without it. It fills a real need for any homeowner or renter who will ever need to find a professional to fix up their home or just to fix (repair, clean, install, redo) something in it. I got my Franklin Report a few weeks ago and already have answered a desperate friend's cry for help about who to call to get a dining room chair fixed in time for a Christmas dinner. The book is surprisingly entertaining, and has an informative section for each specialty that helps in choosing a service provider and negotiating the work agreement. It also has that all-important but very hard-to-find information about pricing.

Every home should have a copy. I'm giving it to my friends for Christmas this year. I know they will thank me!

it was one of my favourites until i got the phaidon atlas of contemporary architecture but this book is also a good one. 500 houses over the world. quick guide to have information around the world.
ayse gokbakan yildiz, architect

I was thrilled with this book (and all the other mini-Phaidon books: The Art Book, The Movie Book, The Fashion Book, and The Garden Book -- I think that's all). It's absolutely gorgeous with large pictures on each page and just enough text to make it interesting and informative. I love the alphabetical organization that essentially randomizes all the eras and countries, thus making the diversity more apparent. And, of course, IT'S CHEAP! I love it!

This book is absolutley the most amazing book on house architecture I have ever seen. Anyone who is interested in houses and house architecture around the world should have this remarkable work.

In the best tradition of the phaidon culture books, this one explores architectural styles.
It covers most periods and is eclectic in terms of style and the cultural heritage of the buildings. It also manages to present a huge time span of works, though the focus is on the boom years of architectural styles and changes (from the Victorian era onwards).
Inspires plans for lots of day trips for culture vultures or indeed travels abroad. Very interesting, I imagine there was not quite the struggle to overcome snobberies with this book as there must have been with this books family members, Art, Modern Art, Fashion and Photography.

Fascinating tour of homes, with most of the really rewarding images revealing the indigenous styles of homes across the globe, including the iglu, the long house, dung hovels, and dozens of other styles that incorporate the folk wisdom of humans across the centuries. The modernist austerities were the least interesting, even more boring than castles from the Hapsburgs. Some of the contemporary puzzle pieces were striking, and each page repaid the time invested pouring over the details captured. I wish that they would double page load, and show a representative interior of each exterior captured here.

I have purchased many Bungalow Arts & Crafts decorating and remodeling books. This book is on the top of my list. The author goes into detail about how an original bungalow home, in the early 20st century, was built and designed. How and where you maybe able to find original kit designs for your home. Also, there are many completed remodeling examples in the book, these picture helped me decide which design fit my taste the best. This book is a keeper for anyone who is considering remodeling their kitchen in the Arts & Crafts design.

"The New Bungalow Kitchen" is not a coffee-table book. It is beautifully made with text and photos that are clear and helpful, but it also gives practical ideas for creating a cooking/eating space that feels like home. I may not have an Arts and Crafts Bungalow, but I can have a kitchen that gives the same warm and comfortable as a true bungalow.

Peter Labau has crafted a practical and classy take on classic bungalow kitchens. The visuals are exquisite and as easy on the eyes as the words which flow from author to reader. His years of experience in classic home environments shines through each chapter. I found "The New Bungalow Kitchen" easy to read and very informative. The book also serves as a perfect reference for 20's period architecture in general. Each turn of the page brings another good example of how to create beautiful spaces. This is definitely worth having on your bookshelf as a reference for any re-development project you might have!

As always Amazon had what I wanted. I love the book!!!Just what we were looking for. Your website is easy to use4 and navigate, you even linked me to the marketplace for further titles and books at half the cost of new. I did not know that marketplace existed, so I learned something new. Thank you for another great visit to Amazon.com

The book gave us a lot of good ideas. We just bought a Bungalow built in 1941 and we are looking to overhaul the kitchen without disturbing the character and charm of the home. This book will help us do that. I was a little dissapointed that the book did not give more specific reccomendations i.e style of cabinets, materials used, finishes etc. They had some pictures, but alot of the details are not literally described . Still a great book.

I was very delighted with this book. The pictures are very fine quality and I was especially excited with the references and pictures of the 10 Chimneys property. I recently visited that property and one could not take pictures of the interiors so this book is a great reference. I only wish there would have been pictures of the master bedroom in the guest house that Alfred had made for his new bride.

This book has the most beautiful pictures of all kinds of Swedish furniture. Lots of information but most importantly fabulous pictures so you can see how it was used and in what settings. Great if you are adding a few pieces or a lot of pieces to your home. Great resourse for Designers also.

In my opinion, this is the best book that I have found on the SWEDISH STYLE of home decorating.

This is a large hardback book, with wonderful photos of homes decorated in the "modern" Swedish style.

If you love the Swedish style decorating, then you will refer to this book quite often---as I have.

This book is truly inspiring. Before reading Swedish Interiors I associated the concept of Swedish design with either the washed-out dull colors of bygone years or the garish modern patterns of Ikea. Rhonda and Edie's book has shown me that the Swedes can wield a full color palette with grace and elegance. The best part is that all the intriguing design concepts of the Swedes are illustrated by American homes. Anyone will be able to draw inspiration form this book and apply it to their own dwellings.

This is a monumental book for both the general public with an interest in the nuances associated with interior design and the seasoned interior design professional who is seeking a guide book to Swedish style. Not only are you rewarded with lush pictography throughout the book but the corresponding discourse is informative and inspiring on numerous levels. This book will take pride of place within my expansive collection and I am sure that I will be referring to it for years to come

The Way We Live: An Ultimate Treasury for Global Design Inspiration

Houses, castles, rooms, gardens, people, colours, moods of every description. Beautifully photographed. As the title indicates the way we live with the following description 'an ultimate treasury for global design inspiration'. It is certainly that. Just wonderful.

brilliant pictures of landscapes from around the world and homes. I particularly enjoy the pictures of various stairwells together or doorways for example.

Have you ever walked or driven past someone's home and wanted to look inside? Looking through this book is a bit like that on an international scale. The book is a beautiful work of art in itself, the presentation top class, the paper quality excellent, the binding great. It is packed with marvellous photographs of interiors, accompanied by descriptive text. What it isn't is another of those boring interior design books, filled with rooms that are painted offwhite, with large mirrors, potted palms and overstuffed sofas. This book is interior design getting real!

Stafford Cliff has collected images from all around the world and with the help of superb photographer Gilles de Chabaneix has done what few other innovators in design have done - created a book that is, yes, about design, but is equally about how climate, place, ethnicity, tradition, cultural philosophies, and history inform the decisions people make about their living environments.

Not just viewing the gracious homes of the wealthy of the planet (though there are plenty of gorgeous 'palaces' of design to please the most art hungry eye), Cliff views the differences geography makes in dwellings, from spectacular vistas of the sea to the mountains and to the deserts, and how the climates influence the manner in which 'design' is used. As interested in discussing and sharing the most humble abodes with the most lavish mansions, Cliff doesn't miss a beat as he and de Chabaneix journey to places obscure and places of notoriety. The emphasis is always on the manner in which the people of these dwellings adapt and incorporate their living spaces to their environment.

A book that is both sumptuous in design itself and tender in its approach, THE WAY WE LIVE will appeal to both students of design and to those who long to understand the essence of living, wherever they travel. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

I thought this book was exceptional.
This book deals with design in all parts of the world, but much more than this it gives you the feeling of the cultural richness of people who live in these spaces. It is visually beautiful and evocative.
I think the photography is outstanding. The photograper has a real knowledge about light and composition. It is rare, I think, to have so many excellent photos in a single volume. Along with this, the narrative is direct and insightful.
For those interested in design, the book offers many ideas for all types of settings. None of the ones presented are stereotypical or stiff.
The most winning aspect in this book is the realism and beauty that we are able to see around the world. The colorful, serene, and eclectic nature of many settings make this book a delight to read over and over again.

As always Emilie Barnes has once again written a wonderful book! Welcome Home reminds us that as women it is our responsibility and privelege to create a refuge for our family and loved ones. Welcome Home encourages one to create your home into a place of beauty, where our loved ones can be nourished, encouraged and find peace and acceptance.The artwork is beautiful and suggestions for entertaining are excellent! This book would be a wonderful gift for a new bride, house warming gift or a special gift just for you! Thank you Emilie for all the wonderful books you have blessed us with. God Bless!

EXCELLENT! This book was exactly what I needed! I'm not gifted with a homemaking instinct. Emilie packed in this book hundreds of practical ideas that I could use to transform my house into a home and to make it a refuge for my entire family. She gives tips on decorating, organizing, hospitality, nurturing your family through your home, celebrating, creating a respite from the stresses of the world, and more. Easy to read, and easy to pick up and put down, the book is divided into very small, easily digestible sections.

Her decorating style isn't mine, but her tips are so universal that it doesn't matter. She gives concrete examples of how to incorporate her advice regardless of whether you live in your custom designed dream home, a small apartment, or anything in between. She invites you into her home through her stories and pictures, and through that I can just imagine what it must be like to be a guest in her home. Definitely something I would like to model!

This book would be a perfect gift to a first-time home owner. I really recommend it if you, like me, are seeking to add beauty, love and hospitality to your home. Thank you so much, Emilie, for addressing exactly what I have been seeking advice on for quite some time!

I found this book at a bookstore on sale and I love country decorating so bought it. That was about seven years ago and have worn the book out almost , so buying a new one today. Since that booksale I have bought more than thirteen books of Emilie's and have enjoyed every one of them ,some more than others but never the less I am still a big fan of Emilie's. Have learned so much from her books in decorating, cooking, and worshiping our Lord. As others have said she is a classy lady and so much of her goes into her books----Try it---you will not be disappointed-----

Well I checked this book out from the library. I kept renewing it so many times. I told my husband I want to buy it. That way I can highlight certain areas for me to back and look at again and again. I'm trying to get my husband to read it also. Because I'm trying to get him to understand the "open door" policy I want for my house. And Emilie describes it so well.

I put this book on last year's wish list and kept it there hoping someone would take the hint and buy it for me. My mother got it for me for Christmas this year, and I can tell it will be much used and appreciated. I chanced across this book, but at my time in life when my children are almost raised and I am almost finished with my schooling and embarking on my science education /bioethics career I am finding I want to make my home more orgaqnized and more homey for me to come home to. I am not a natural homemaker with an eye to placement and beautiful things. My mother is, as is Emilie Barnes. Some of us need a little help because our talents lie elsewhere. This book can be viewed for the way the Barnes have decorated their homes, and the writing is geared toward giving ideas for how to run a house more lovingly and cleanly. When I have time to do these things, I want to do them right. This book is loaded with ideas, plans, and future thoughts for making an individual house a home.

My only problem with this book is the one I have with Martha Stewart also...some of us just do not have the time or money to put that much effort into these things. Some of it is jealousy I suspect, on my part at the relative ease with which these people are able to use such unbelieveably unfair talents. Some of it is the emphasis that some of us choose to put on other parts of our lives. I want a beautiful home, but I want to be realistic too. Sometimes it seems as if realism does not enter into the thoughts of the author of this book. It is an outstanding book from an outstanding homemaker. Karen Sadler, Science Education, University of Pittsburgh