Interior Design Books

If for nothing else, us it for sitting around with your friends accompanied by a few bottles of wine and have a laugh! The scary thing is sooo much of this book is factual on some odd level.

This book really made me laugh, although I am the most ungenerous cynical person.

I defy anyone to not just love this eccentric tongue-in-cheek look at decorating. It takes interior design and skews it with hilarious results. Clever, original, and only slightly obscene. (And I'm talking about the rooms...!) A great urban gift.

This is my book so I'm not unbiased in my giving it 5 stars, but disregard the inaccurate Amazon description above. Here's the deal: It's a collection of real online male personal ad photos with the figures obscured, and then my critique of the room's decor behind them. Fight Club author, Chuck Palahniuk included Obscene Interiors in his list of Top Ten Books of the past 10 years - Yay! And Dave Eggers had this to say, "Obscene Interiors is not only a cruelly brilliant idea, but it's executed with great cunning and even some warmth."

From the back cover: A first of its kind collection of online male personal ad photos featuring shockingly explicit amateur decorating action! Lamps, plants, curtains and couches mix it up in this graphic display of aesthetic perversion!

What a hilarious book. Page after page of men who are simply oblivious. These guys have no shame in exposing themselves with a variety of backdrops, ranging from tacky, scary to out and out gross. This is like a book of favorite cartoons - you just keep picking it up.

Graet book-wonderful photos and much deatail about the use and lifestyles in use with paantries.

This is a book to treasure always,for people like me who love history especially to do with food, kitchens,and domestic life this book is HEAVEN !!

I can't add anything that hasn't been written below, but I wanted to leave a positive review for the author's sake. I love all things domestic and the more vintage the better. I love the picture on the back cover of this book-ah...my dream kitchen. If I could have a hoosier cabinet like this one someday, I would die happy, lol.

A great book, but needs more pixs of bungalow pantries where small windows and refrigerators were contained...there are plenty of these right where I live in North Carolina

"The Pantry: Its History And Modern Uses" by author, architectural historian, and former house museum manager Catherine Seiberling Pond is a beautifully illustrated history of how the nature of the 19th century pantry began to change and evolve in the 20th and 21st centuries as American homemakers began to cook more, bake more, buy more, and stockpile more just as architects were designing and building homes that did not have pantries. The result was that 'big-box' items that once would have been stored in a pantry were now regulated to the garage. "The Pantry" offers cogent and persuasive arguments why the pantry should be restored to the contemporary American home as both a functional and an esthetic design element in keeping with the socio-economic and design changes that have affected and shaped the American home which ranges in style from Victorian to 20th Century, and from the great estate to the modern dwelling. While the use of the pantry has evolved, it continues to be an interesting, utilitarian space the combines nostalgia with cutting edge modern ideas for the family kitchen. "The Pantry" also covers what to put in one, food storage solutions, the selections of materials, design and layout, display, decor tips, and more. Of special note is the chapter dedicated to 'Pantries Open to the Public'. Informed and informative reading, "The Pantry" is particularly recommended to the attention of architects, home remodelers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the developmental history of the American home.

I am very pleased with the beautiful photography of this book. It gives you an up front & personal view of some of the most exclusive lodges in Africa. Safari Chic photograph's can help you find inspiration that will transform your home into a special Safari paradise of your own. There is even a list in the back that will direct you to stores that will carry exotic items to help with your decorating needs!

I would recommend this book to anyone that is into "Safari" or decorating in general. It has lot's of useful information & the layout is easy to navigate.

I also bought, "Simply Safari" by, Daryl & Sharna Balfour & fell in love with it! You can't go wrong with either book ... they are a must have!

Gorgeous coffee table book, which is actually great reading, too! Sumptuous photographs will inspire you to add a touch of Safari Chic to your own home! Exquisitely well done book...I hope there will be sequels!....

Libraries with strong sections on ethnic or modern architecture will want to include Bibi Jordan's Safari Chic as a unique presentation of over a hundred photos of exotic exteriors and interiors. African bush style goes modern in homes which profile decorating choices achieved through ethnic crafts and fabrics. The color photos are lavish and display many options and styles.

Upon first glance, Bibi Jordan's "Safari Chic" looks like a handsome, pretty-picture, coffee table, book that is ... just that; it looks good on an Ottoman in one's living room. Only, I have those types of books and was not prepared to buy another, hence my hesitation. But Africa is much more than an interest for me and so naturally I began to thumb through and shortly afterwards, lose myself in it.

The preface by Peter Beard - Mr. Africa himself - sets the tone for the unfolding of a modern day journey. Miss Jordan's safari takes us to those breathtaking sceneries where man is as much a part of nature as the elephants, hippo and lion. In doing so, she introduces us to the men and women who live in "the bush". These characters, some of whose families have been safari outfitters in Africa for 90 years, make up the real fabric of what Africa is about. In telling their story, we learn that safari is a way of life. Each camp has its own unique history. By understanding these people and how they live in harmony with their fellow Africans and wildlife, we are able to grasp the complete picture.

Miss Jordan weaves these fascinating personalities together into a wonderful narrative. Inspirational quotes from Karen Blixen, Ernest Hemingway, and others, and - yes, great pictures, make for an enticing read.

This book makes Africa real and for me, timeless. It makes you want to go there, and bring a piece of it back with you. The last chapter offers some excellent and affordable tips to decorating `safari chic'. Popular stores like Pier One and The Pottery Barn can bring Africa to your fingertips.

As mentioned, many other African safari books are dictated by form and fashion above substance. "Safari Chic" is more than a decorating style; it's a frame of mind. From all of the famous quotes Miss Jordan uses, this one perhaps, sums it up best.

"All things considered, there are two kinds of people in the world: Those who stay at home and those who do not. The second are most interesting."

- Rudyard Kipling

Bibi Jordan has managed to capture the true spirit of adventure in her new book Safari Chic. Not only do the wild exteriors and the mannered interiors inspire one to redecorate their physical surroundings but they resonate with the kindling spirit of rejuvenation and imagination. This is a traveler's delight as well. More books Bibi, more!

This is a great book, I never get sick of looking at it. Highly recommend for lover of Asian stle living

This is an excellent look at the best examples of tropical Asian luxury living.

It is not a detailed exploration of regional design elements (look to Bali Style, Thai Style, Tropical Garden Design, et al, for the next degree of depth). It is, however, a rich overview of the best of SEAsian luxury architecture and furnishings.

Every page is simply gorgeous, with photos "bleeding" out past the paper, one trait of a good coffee table or style book. There is little or no image repetition in the coverage of the homes or boutique hotels featured, and each photo is perfectly focused, every composition seen in its best light.

In all the shuffle of Thai grandeur, Balinese earthiness, and Malaysian simplicity, the book might at first glance seem to be presenting a kind of fusion. I think it's fair to say that there is plenty of contemporary blurring of the distinctions between regions, but the reader can also look for regional elements and quickly learn them. Each property is given its own mini-chapter, which helps a lot. And the regional details and sensibilities really come alive when you read the accompanying texts, which are the work of expert style writers.

In fact, the contributors list reads like a who's who of style gurus. There is the clever and quippy Made Wijaya, descriptive Diana Darling, the meticulous William Warren, and details-minded Robert Powell. It's a great read!

I am a collector of Luca Invernizzi Tettoni's work because ALL of them is a visual feast for the eyes. This talented man has a knack for details and never fails to capture the vivid and glowing nuances that represents the best of Southest Asia's style. Take it from me, living in the same environment, I sometimes take it for granted. This book is more than just a coffee-table piece, to complement the gorgeous photography , the text , written by various specialists, will enlighten you with well researched information on local crafts and traditions. It also shows the transformation that SEA architecture and interior designs have undergone; overall a fascinating mix 'n' match of vernacular designs and contemporary style.

My dream is to be surrounded by teak and orchids, eating curry and sipping lime juice, and not owning any sort of time piece. Since that isn't going to happen for several more years I bought this book. I am neither a designer nor a photographer so my only input is how this book makes me feel. I have come to love Southeast Asia after several all too brief trips to the region and Tropical Asian Style, specifically Tettoni's photos, has brought some life to my dull suburban living room. And, while I realize that this book comprises several distinct cultures, it is the overall effect, not any particular region, that is so overwhelmingly beautiful. If you feel trapped in your American workaholic routine, this book is a wonderful diversion.

After reading it, I wanted to knock down every wall in my house. Or at least remove the window glass. My next house will definitely be designed based on the rooms in this book.

I didn't read much of the text because the pictures were so captivating. They show every aspect of the tropical Asian house, except perhaps kitchens, which seem to be nothing more than a stove-type device near the dining area. The predominant theme is living among nature and even inviting it to share the living space with you (or is it the other way around?). Instead of windows and doors, you see slatted screens and netting. Very romantic. And a far cry from most of America's obsession with locks and glass. I need to move......

This book has a little something for everyone, whether you rent, own or are planning to build. You can be inspired by the creative uses of old and second hand objects for something unexpected and functional. The spaces are all very unique but in a simple and useful sort of way.

This is a physically beautiful book with many illustrative pictures. I have been simplifying for about two years and have been moving from the 'country' look toward more of the 'loft' or modern style. This book came at the right time with it's simplified style which complements some of the older furniture. The book has some good ideas but you have to be adventurous to try many of them. I wish they had included more older homes, the majority seemed to be pretty modern. I'm keeping the book and plan to refer to it as I renovate and remodel.

You dont have to be a design expert to read this book. Gent and Hickman have managed to write a book that appeals to the novice as well as the expert. They use language and terminology that the average person will have no problem understanding. The photographs are very descriptive and help the reader to understand the concepts. There are tons of pictures and they're BEAUTIFUL! I have never read a design book that speaks to all ages and tastes. This concept is for today what Shabby Chic was years ago. The book is amazing and I highly recommend it. You may want to pick up two - one for the coffee table and one to dog-ear and get dirty while you're taking it with you while you shop. Trust me, you wont be sorry you did!

I saw this book in a Wash Post review and thoroughly enjoy flipping through it - the photograpy/styling is so crisp and clear and makes it look like you could actually DO this with stuff you alreay have. All the furnishings are really attractive - manage to combine modernity and nostalgia. Simple but not simplistic layout and clear, easy to follow philosophy (or so it seems - we'll see). It encourages you to be bold and I do think confidence is the key to dressing yourself or your house. A bit of moxie goes a long way! Really an attractive book and looks great on your coffee table even if you never get aroudn to styling it!

A wonderful and unique book unlike anything I have seen before. Urban Country Style combines country and urban style but it's more sleek, urban, modern and cool. Beautiful pictures and practical easy to follow advice especially for the "decorating challenged" like myself. I will refer to this book over and over again.

Well, okay, maybe you would place in on the coffee table if your book shelves aren't high enough, but this is a practical book. "American Art Tile" covers the period from 1876-1941. Why does it stop in 1941? Because sadly, many tile making firms shut down for WWII and never reopened.

The book shows photographs of hundreds of tiles made by more than 100 American firms (probably every one Mr. Karlson could identify). Included are the Dedham Pottery in Dedham Massachusetts with it's famous blue and white scenes of rabbits running around the edge of the tile; the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with it's fantastic Eastern European images; The Weller Pottery in Zanesville Ohio with it's "Sicardo" works; Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati, Ohio which produced the matte glazed architectural tile used in the New York Subway system such as Fulton's Steamboat at the Fulton Street Station; and the wonderful Pewabic Pottery in Detroit Michigan from the Chippawa word for copper colored clay.

These tiles are not all individually labled, so if you're trying to identify a particular item, the book will provide only limited information. On the other hand, it will probably help you determine the origin of the manufacturing company, if not the name of the specific design. According to Karlson, many of the companies are out of business, so this may be as good as it gets since catalogues are impossible to obtain.

Mr. Karlson includes many photographs of individual tiles, but few are show 'in situ' so the pages can become overwhelming in their detail. However, the book is probably destined to be something antique tile dealers keep in their reference desk. If you're a serious tile collector or fancier, you will probably find the book worth the cost.

This is a must for anyone interested in the history of tiles and tile makers.

The book gives a history of every tile making outfit in America from 1876-1941, and shows as many color samples of the tiles they produced as the author seems to have gotten his hands on, many from his own collection. It was sobering to notice, when reading about all the tile companies, how many went under during the depression or just afterwards. This country lost a wonderful heritage, as many never came back after the depression lifted. Too bad, really. There are currently some companies making copies or remakes of some designs (what with the renewed interest in all things Arts and Crafts). Maybe this book and the Neo Arts and Crafts movement will spark some new American tile making shops? I hope so.

The book is beautifully laid out and would be a nice coffee table addition for those who are not tile collectors, but who just enjoy looking at tiles.

Superb photos and beautifully written and researched text make this a must for any serious collector of American Art Tiles! Karlson pushes the information envelope with regard to many American tile artisans. For example, he includes a photograph of perhaps the only known example of a glazed Matt Morgan art tile. If you are a serious Art Tile collector this book should be in your library!

This bountiful volume conatains gorgeous photos and detailed information on tile manufacturers from the turn of the century to WWII. Some famous ones, and a lot of obscure ones that I was thrilled to learn about. Besides being pleasing to the eye, it really did broaden my understanding of the different tile manufacturers and the influences that shaped the work and heritage. I rarely spend this much on a book, but I found it to be well worth the money.

For the pragmatic who truly needs to see "slide-show" type arrangements of tiles and short descriptions of tile makers and their beginnings...this is for you! Practical and absolutely beautiful.

This is a most wonderful book. I have enjoyed it for years and have given it as a gift to friends. It is beautiful and informative, many interesting ideas. Makes you want to go out and find the lovely things you see in this book. I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed

"It is the loveliness of little things that imparts life to a room." This quote sums up the feeling of this wonderful book. It is filled with hints and tips on finding and caring for antiques and collectible. The joy of combing through flea markets looking for the next perfect addition to your collection is reflected in both text and pictures. The chapters cover ceramics, wood, silver, textiles, glass and paper. What ever makes your heart sing is covered in this book. A nice plus is an index listing of flea market and shop locations in both the United States and Europe. This is a book I go back to and read and look through time and time again, a keeper for your personal library.

For anyone looking for a beautiful and useful book about antiques, this is it. Barbara Milo Ohrbach has a wonderful way with words and her enthusiasm about the world of antiques is charming.

I've owned this book for a number of years, and often refer to it when I want to know a specific terminology or when I'm checking out the care and treatment of a particular antique object. Because the author's writing style is so enjoyable, I always end up reading pages and pages of the book and learning more with each reading.

ANTIQUES AT HOME is divided into eight chapters on the following topics: Ceramics-Wood- Silver- Textiles- Glass- Paper- A Personal View and The Collector's World. The photographs are beautiful and I've borrowed some of Ohrbach's ideas about how to display different collections. Most of us can't collect everything, but the lure of old and beautiful objects is contagious and the author communicates that love in her book. She calls it "a personal view" of antiques.

This is a "must read" for all of us who love antiques. With every page there are new ideas for "old things." The photography is scrumptous and the text reads like poetry. This book envelopes you. I have been reading it for over a year.

This book is by far the best and is my favorite of all books on antiques and decoration! And I have a lot of those books!

It's very useful and gives you a lot of options on how to decorate with the antiques that you have on hand, makes you take stock of what you have and cherish them even more and also makes you want to have/buy the antiques beautifully illustrated here! I really recommend this book for every antique buffs!

This is classic beauty. Quiet, vast interiors filled, not with too much gilt and chintz, but a few pieces of wonderful antiques. The best thing about this book is that the rooms never looked decorated. Everything looks as though it grew in place.

Personally, I fell in love with the ocean view and eternity pool on page 79. Amazingly, even the eternity pool doesn't seem too brash and new.

Wonderful designs.

I have heard American decorating described as "Cheerful Comfort" which doesn't mean much in the overall scheme of things.
If the concepts learned from Axel Vervordt were incorporated into American decor we would be the envy of the world. Mr. Vervordt's talent lies in combining the elements of form, time, and substance and lets them breath together to create a pallete of breathless beauty. He is humble in his choices and shares it all with the reader in an effortless way which is the mark of great talent. The photo layouts are exquisite and the text is like a novel. So worthy of a great talent.

Simply fabulous. You can hear a pin drop in these hushed interiors. Beautifully presented and photographed. Rush to buy now, dahling!
Stylemaven

A beautiful book with perfect interiors atmospherically lit and framed. The soft half-light does leave me trying to decipher the detail a lot of the time, but I suppose that is not the purpose of these pictures. The interiors are wonderful - sparse, minimal and perfect, with the texture of old wood and stone blending together like a gentle whisper of the passage of time. Truly gorgeous, and a visual delight.
One of the great pleasures of interior design books is the chance to see private collections in their native settings, and my only regret about this volume is that all the houses are either full of "Axel objects" rather than individually chosen works of art reflecting the taste of the owners (with one sparkling exception full of modern paintings and classical antiquities), or pieces cannot be seen because of the lighting. A small enough sacrifice.

If you are a fan of Mr Verfoordt's restrained timeless chic, this book is for you. Full of beautiful photographs of the timeless interiors the book was named after, this is a lovely edition that will provide endless inspiration.

I like this book because it addresses a diverse range of topics on how to achieve the English style. It describes the origin of each decorating tradition, offering an explanation or rationale for why something is characterized as "English," rather than just laying out a blueprint to follow. I also liked that cooking was incorporated into the book, and several appealing photos of food and recipes are provided.

This is a very TRADITIONAL (and Classical) English decorating book. It is not an "how-to" book at all, but rather, a visual journey throughout homes that are all decorated in the "Traditional" and/or "Classic" English style (in other words: this book is not about "modern" English decorating at all).

I own two other books by this outstanding author (Cheryl MacLachlan) and she always does such a nice job at taking readers into the world of European decorating, by showing a variety of homes in the various styles... as stated in the book's title.

If you own any of the Henrietta Churchill's books (ie: her books on decorating a 'la "English classical style") then you are probably familiar with Classical/Traditional English decorating. If not, browse through this book and/or Henrietta's many decorating books, and you will understand the English "classical" style a bit better.

One difference: The homes in this MacLachlan book are homes that are probably owned by middle-class English families, and are NOT owned by upper-class English families , --- such as all of Henrietta's books show. Therefore, if you want to decorate your home in English style, then this MacLachlan book is more doable & relavent to you. Personally, I like both author's books (MacLachlan's and Churchill's books) because together they show all the possibilities when incorporating Classical English decorating in your current home(s).

Being a lover of all things English, I have several books and this is the very best of all. This book is chock full of information on how to achieve the style, what makes it "English" and the photographs are fabulous. I have never read a book of this style that had so much research that went into it. I also enjoyed several receipes that were included and the section that dealt with the meaning of words and how Americans and British differ in their usage.

Author Cheryl MacLachlan writes "...'English style' refers to the unique constellation of elements - homegrown and foreign - that the English have taken as their own". This book shows you how to create a beautiful, charming English atmosphere in your home, and in your life.

My bedtime ritual now includes sitting down with a steaming cup of tea while browsing through every page of this book. After collecting and borrowing dozens of books on this topic, I find this one to be the most comprehensive and inspiring resource for the lover of anything English.

"Like a house, Bringing It Home - England is divided into rooms"...The book's chapters cover the following topics:

(1) The Substance of the English Style: common threads that unite all English homes, walls, motifs, graphics and everything out of the ordinary

(2) The Living Room: how to arrange furniture, select fabrics, and my favorite topic: how to create the look of a traditional English drawing room

(3) The Bedroom: creating a "cozy sanctuary", creating the romantic look (I can attest to the fact that her advice in this section works beautifully!), how to create the English look in your bath, and there is even a section on creating the look in a nursery!

(4) The Dining Room: special emphasis on creating a "tailored, handsome" look. Includes information on English china, porcelain and crystal. There is even a guide to selecting tables and chairs.

(5) The Garden: No book about English style would be complete without information on creating a traditional English garden. Includes a primer on the art of flower arrangement.

)6) The Kitchen: The floors, cabines, furnishings and "cooker" are all covered in this section as well as my very favorite subject on the pleasure of "taking tea". Oh, life is grand!!!!

(7) A Resource section which includes information on all the "English-style" essentials and where to find them. Includes a reading list and travel ideas.

The information is practical and inspiring, as are the beautiful photographs. I feel this is the best book on this topic anywhere.

5 Stars. Enjoy.

A warm and wonderful volume for any hopeless Anglophile. Great gift.

Jane Powell is THE bungalow author to read. As a remodeler who specializes in 1920's bungalows, it pleases me to no end to read an author who really knows what she is talking about. Every Jane Powell book I have read is like a college course on that aspect of bungalow history, preservation, and renovation. This book is no exception. And she is really funny! Beautiful photos (as usual)by Linda Svendsen.

I enjoy this book and look at pretty regularly. I plan on using some of the details on future construction projects. However, the author is a bit too politically correct for my tastes. She keeps reminding us how "poison" vinyl is. That sort of bothered me. I am sure, given a choice, most people would choose to live a beautiful wooden or stone home rather than a vinyl clad manufactured home or tract home.. however lets be realistic. Those types of home are often what is affordable to the average family. Other than that issue.. I would recommend the book.. it has some great pictures and lots of information about bungalow exterior details.

I don't live in a Craftsman bungalow, but I'm adding a number of Craftsman details to my existing NW cabin style house. Over the years I have collected numerous books full of photographs of various bungalows but I have sold all of them now that I have this book. This one book contains information on nearly every exterior detail you are likely to need, and is lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings. It's an excellent reference for buffs and restorers. I have already pre-ordered the next volume which will cover interiors. Shame I have to wait 6 months!

Together writer Jane Powell and photographer Linda Svendsen create the best bungalow books on the market -- full of information, not just fluff. Whether you are thinking of remodelling your house, changing a few details, or just want to understand the history of your bungalow, this is the book to buy... and really, this book is very cheap compared to the price of a bad remodel.

In my opinion the chapter on avoiding replacement window scams, while energy-retrofitting your house, should be required reading for all homebuyers.

This book became and instant reference for our home project and I have quite a few in my collection. If you are looking for good examples to put the finishing touches on a bungalow or arts and crafts project, Ilike this one!