Interior Design Books

I have read most of the western books available on this subject, and this one is the best, most useful and down to earth book I ever read. thoroughly recommended!

This book is as beautiful as it is informative. The author explains Feng Shui concepts and principles succinctly and eloquently. I found it incredibly easy to follow and understand because the subject matter is well organized and presented in a readable and artistic format. The book itself is a work of art.

I have read many fengshui books. I have always been searching for good beginner book to refer to people come to my web site fengshuihelp.com. Compare to other beginner's book, this one is a little more expensive. However, if you are looking for a full picture of fengshui, this is the best on the market. It is well illustrated in language and graphics. The visual illustration is magnificent. No previouse knowledge of Chinese or fengshui needed. I would specifically recommend it as the first book for people who grown up in the west and interested in the eastern culture. It can also searve as a living room book.

This book is visually designed to open the mind. A great choice as a introduction to the complex study of feng shui. I have yet to find another book which handles the conflicting schools of modern and classical feng shui with more diplomacy. I loan this book to friends and family who ask me about feng shui and refer to it often myself. The layout is unconventional yet easy to read. A beautiful book I would highly recommend.

Probably the best book ever written on Feng shui, since the very design of it follows the principles of Feng Shui design - why hasn't anyone else ever thought of it? The author succeeded in putting across the principles , giving very practical tips and with creative flair.

I loved it

"And there you are!" says author Chester Jones. That's all you need to set eminent decorators, Colefax and Fowler to work. The "few good pictures" are preferably old masters and the "several nice pieces" should be priceless antiques, but if you aren't already blessed with such bounty, C&F will see to it.

This is a beautiful, delightful book! I bought it used, and it was pristine. There are 264 gorgeous color plates of excellent photography and the prose is a lively mix of C&F history (particularly John Fowler) and description, tips, and information about the homes/castles/estates decorated. There is a wonderful Glossary for those of us who are vernacular-challenged when it comes to elegant decorator terms. I for one was pleased to learn that a "fauteuil" is a "French salon armchair with carved decorations, sometimes gilt."

Put bluntly (which Mr. Jones wouldn't dream of doing), Ms. Colefax provided the money and contacts, and Mr. Fowler provided the inspiration and brains. And contacts were desperately needed for this venture. To achieve casual, elegant nonchalance required great outlays of money not to be had from your everyday man on the street. Colefax and Fowler became expert at the tactful handling of the temperamental, sometimes eccentric foibles of the very rich. If Mr. Jones is any example, I'm sure he would take it right in stride when I announced I'd like less "balance" on the mantel piece please, and I really didn't care much for massive curtains that puddled on the floor.

There are useful tips and diagrams that can be put to use in much more economical settings. For instance, a maxim of Mr. Fowler's was, scale of furniture should be relative to height, not width. In other words, a large low-ceilinged room would not call for big important pieces of furniture where a high-ceilinged room would.

This is a book of which you will never tire. The color schemes, the placements and the sheer beauty will call out to you again and again. A fine investment of your time and pleasure.
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

The grace and epitome of what we all have come to know and love as "English Country House Style". This book begins with the very beginning of Colefax and Fowler, and documents the evolution of "the look". Many wonderful color photos and sketches to refer to as well as beautifully written descriptions as to what makes this all work. While we may not be able to live in such grand houses, many of the concepts and designs work as well in contemporary and smaller settings. There is something for every one in this book, very desirable!!

The color photos of many completed projects done decades ago still resonate as the top in English design. Lovely traditional chintzes coupled with good furniture are the usual ingredients yet seeing the old photos of Nancy Lancaster's and Roger Banks-Pye's designs, one is reminded that these rooms are truly timeless. Understandibly,Colefax and Fowler is the benchmark for English decoration. The book does a fine job with both an overview and an exploration of specific areas. A must for designers.

No one tops the eye of John Fowler for colour or design. In a world of designers trying desperately to jump English country style few get it right. The distinguished firm of Colefax and Fowler always got it right, as one known Italian-American aristocrat said "The English style is one that few truly comprehend as well as John Fowler did at Colefax and Fowler." Elegant, high style, not mistakenly frilly foolish as many others are, this book highlights the very best of what this regional genre is all about.

I bought the original edition of this book over 10 years ago and was blown away by the gorgeous design depicted in page after page of mouth-watering English country house interiors. All these years later, it remains my favorite decorating book, that I constantly refer to for inspiration. The rooms are timeless. Most were created 20-40 years ago, but good classic design does not date. Although the antiques and handprinted wallpapers, etc., are far out of the range of most of us, the sense of comfortable elegance is one to strive for in any home.

What an impressive book - you get 400+ pages of ways to make life more comfortable for someone with Alzheimers. These also help the caregiver in a variety of situations.
The advice covers things like how to deal with wandering and gives four types of this behavior. It tells how to eliminate places to hide and rummage, coping with fears (of bathing, of strangers, of abandonment), and managing incontinence.
The book helps with mobility issues, addresses safety and how to manage daily living. It includes a valuable section (38 pages) lists where to find special products from stair lifts to bathing aids to ramps to bedwetting alarms.
I'm so glad to see a book this comprehensive to assist with Alzheimer's needs.

Mark Warner's book on Alzheimer's proofing your home is more than a how to book. Mr. Warner gives an in-depth description of the ways in which Alzheimer's disease affects a person's life, and the life of the extended family. By understanding the disease in depth and the changes that take place in a person physical and emotional need, there is a context to understanding why modifications and alterations are needed. He explains what to do and why to do it. His approach is that of a loving caregiver who not only wants to make the home safe and secure, but also wants to raise the quality of life. . Modifications are practical, but also designed to bring comfort. Even after over two decades of working professionally with people with memory loss, many of his suggestions caught me by surprise. I kept saying to myself, "why didn't I think of that?" He addresses all the behaviors associated with the disease, from wandering to agitation, and suggests environment solutions that could ease the situation. Not only will this bring a higher level of comfort to the person with the disease, but many of the suggestions are a benefit for anyone who wishes to have a safe and barrier free home. I recommend this book to anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer's, anyone involved in home care, and anyone who is interested in altering environments to meet specific needs of unique individuals. Like any thoughtful book, his ideas about adapting environments to the needs of people with Alzheimer's disease also stretches one's thinking about changing environments for anyone with specific needs, or who wants to think about the highest level of safety for family members.

Since first reading this book over 14 months ago, I've found it a constant source for information and resources. It addresses the problems I encounter on a daily basis AND gives sources for products that I can use to provide better care for my loved one.

"...Alzheimer's Proofing Your Home" is the most complete, most helpful, and most insightful volume I have read on the subject of AD care. With incredible attention to detail, every issue one could encounter is addressed individually. It isn't enough to have a how-to-do-it manual with AD - Mark confronts matters like behavior, wandering, mobility, safety and comfort with deep sensitivity and compassion. A rich, in-depth source of information, Mark explains in detail how to transform any home into a safe haven in a manner that the patient will find warm and welcoming. Cognitive, spatial, and emotional deficits can be compensated for using Mark's well thought out guidelines, and I wish his book had been around when I began caregiving many years ago. There are many books on the subject, all filling a need; but Mark's is far and away superior to anything I've read, which is considerable. Hundreds of situations and their remedies are explored. Concerns encountered as AD progresses are addressed one by one, with a wealth of hints, tips, and shortcuts that are the lifesaver of harried caregivers. Easy to accomplish safety and comfort measures are provided - how needed! Emphasis is placed on concerns all CGs share - how to keep loved ones protected and content, AD being the antithesis of both. Mark has given us an instructional book, made warm and personal because it's about individuals and their needs. There is a comprehensive listing of product and service providers for caregivers, and most of the numbers are toll free. The title of this book does not begin to do it justice, it's so much more. Plus, it's very attractively bound - a beautiful volume of superior quality. Among my treasured books on the subject of dementia caregiving, this is my bible. ..........Sue B.

This book is a must for caregivers and professionals facing the challenges of Alzheimer's. It is the first book I've read devoted to Alzheimer's care that offers something more than reasons to institutionalize our people. Caregivers need information, options and where to access tools and resources before they can make informed decisions about their choices or their role as caregiver. As someone who spent 25 years designing rehabilitations plans for handicapped people and another 10 years facing the care of my husband, Tom, who died of this disease in our home, this is the first volume I've picked up that speaks of caregiving in positive, life-giving, do-able terms and not the drudgery that we are all led to believe consumes the process. While it offers pragmatic, workable, affordable solutions to caregivers, it never loses sight of the continued humanity and needs of our family members for love and regard in spite of their loss of cognitive skills. My experience as a caregiver was met with nothing but obsticles in my quest to keep my husband home, a journey I relate in my book, "He Used to be Somebody." I found Tom's care problems were 75% attitude and 25% tools, resources and help. This book offers both to families. I highly recommend it.

I LOVED this book. Diana Vreeland's "Why don't you..." suggestions are absolutely wild. They're obviously intended for women of *great* means (why don't you give a diamond bracelet as a gift to the wife of your favorite bandleader?). And some of the suggestions are so out there, I swear she was chewing magic mushrooms. My favorite is the suggestion to put in a private staircase from your bedroom to the library, and have it carpeted with a needlepoint rug that spells out the notes to your favorite tune. My god, you're right, I'll do that tomorrow!!
This book is great to read out loud at a party.

the strange thing is, I am not sure if it's intentionally funny. The author clearly admires Vreeland, and it's a very affectionate book with wonderful photographs.

It is definitely a great glimpse at another era, and at a level of society I can only imagine. To have the kind of money that allows you to do some of these things is beyond my wildest dreams. It's a fun fantasy trip, and a fun retro trip. Five stars.

This book is something to read on a rainy day. It is beautifully put together and very mood uplifting. The suggestions do not seem all that outrageous to me and indeed could add that very necessary flair or as Diana would say PIZAZZ to your life. I love her suggestions for interior decorating. She talks about the pursuit of the perfect RED. How lovely to imagine living a life where your most important concerns are finding the perfect RED. And yes this book is probably for people who are already fans of Diana. Great pictures too.
ACL

My only qualm: I wish there'd been more "Why don't you...?"s. Frankly, I couldn't get enough of them:

"Why don't you have your cigarettes stamped with a personal insignia as a well-known explorer did with a penguin?"

"Why don't you rinse your blond child's hair in dead champagne to keep its gold, as they do in France?"

"Why don't you wear violet velvet mittens with everything?"

Indeed, why don't I?

This slim book far outshines its company in the Diana Vreeland library, and especially "Allure," a gigantic coffee table book with photographs that appear to have been digitized with a $20 scanner.

Of course, you must know and love Mrs. Vreeland to be here in the first place. Given that you do, buy this book. Don't expect a compendium of her suggestions and aphorisms. Do expect a delightful hour's browse. Well worth the money.

Any info on D.V. is exciting to me. This pretty book is filled with great photos and listing of all the "Why Don't You" articles created by Diana during her days at Harpers. If you are a fan of Diana Vreeland (as I am) you must add this book to your collection.

Have you ever taken notes in class, which made perfect sense in the classroom setting watching the teacher demostrate a command, only to get home and try to recreate the steps to no avail?
This book is so helpful in that the commands are so clearly laid out in a visual, easy to understand manner. Since graduating from school, I have continued to pick this book up as a helpful resource to refresh my cad skills on numerous occasions. The answers have been there ever time.

Whether you're still in school or out in the work force, this book is a must-have resource for designers who may need a refresher course in CAD from time to time. The easy-to-read graphics, thorough index and step-by-step instructions allow both experienced users and/or newcomers to navigate successfully through the CAD program.

Great Book !!...no nonsense, step by step guide that uses conventional drafting methods and reference diagrams to explain what you NEED to know with out all of the ultra technical junk found in most CAD text. It provides the reader with the information needed to work in a REAL office in the REAL world.

AutoCAD is clearly the industry standard computer aided design software. If you type AutoCad into the search engine at Amazon you get 4,306 books about it. How do you possibly pick one out of this many. Or perhaps a better question is why pick this one.

First, this book is specifically oriented to architects and interior designers. That's what the examples show, that's the terminology used. You are not looking at gears or airplane wings.

Second, this book is aimed at the beginner. It starts with comparing AutoCad to conventional paper and T-Square drafting. It compares AutoCAD commands to common drafting implements like a pencil or compass.

Third, it is rather independent of the AutoCAD version. The concepts being taught here are the basic ones, so you can use the book with whatever version you have.

Fourth, it is a very visually oriented book. It has you quickly working on drawings, showing you in illustrations what you should be seeing on the screen.

Fifth, as a basis for starting your drawings the companion web site for the book has perhaps as much information as is contained in the book.

Conclusion. This is an excellent book to use to get started with AutoCAD, especially for architects and interior designers.

Clear illustrations and easy to follow step-by-step instructions make it easy to master AutoCAD commands with this book. Often, a single page covers an entire command (in words and illustrations) which makes it easy to learn the first time or refresh my memory.

I'm glad I found an AutoCAD book that does not require me to be a programmer to learn this software. I'll keep this one next to my computer for quick reference.

I come from a long line of fantastic cooks. I read and reread cookbooks all the time. This is my favorite cookbook. I have tried many recipes from here and even though I am usually a try-something-new-cook some of these have become staples. Also the recipes lend well to improvisation. Really I can't say enough about this cookbook, my family covets it.

I couldn't wait to dive into the Junior League of Pasadena's Dining by Design cookbook. In addition to delicious and easy sounding recipes, it is full of all kinds of interesting nuggets of information. Things that you've always wanted to know but could never put your finger on in other cookbooks. It is also a lovely looking book, almost too pretty to be a cookbook. Try it, I think you'll really, really like it!

I couldn't wait to dive into the Junior League of Pasadena's Dining by Design cookbook. In addition to delicious and easy sounding recipes, it is full of all kinds of interesting nuggets of information. Things that you've always wanted to know but could never put your finger on in other cookbooks. It is also a lovely looking book, almost too pretty to be a cookbook. Try it, I think you'll really, really like it!

i recommend this book to absolutely everyone. i have yet to have a bad experience with any one of the recipes found in this beautiful book. Not only does the book contain tasty recipes but it contains valuable tips for cooking, decorating, entertaining and the like. this is a must buy for family and friends as well as for yourself. i sure hope the junior league of Pasadena, inc. will publish another:)

As expected, I was not disappointed by the Junior League of Pasadena's newest edition in their series of cookbooks. I didn't think anything could top their last, "California Sizzles", but "Dining by Design" is even better! I have dozens of cookbooks that remain dusty on the shelves, but both my Junior League of Pasadena cookbooks are very well worn from all of the recipes I use. Way to go! I recommend these delicious, easy to understand, easy to prepare recipes to everyone!

This book is so wonderful, now everyone an see how fresh flowers can enhance your life and your surroundings.

Thanks Elton for allowing us into your home.

Magnolia Village Florist
Seattle, WA

This book has awesome pictures of Elton John's homes, it focuses on the flowers in his houses. This book would be great to put on a coffe table, and a must for an Elton fan. I highly recommend it!

Excellent pictorial of an extravagant livestyle! Hard to belive, though, that there is a gross misprint on page 16-- the lyrics from "Your Song" are attributed to "Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters"! Oops!

Wow ... "amazing" is the best word I can come up with! I have been looking at decorating books for about a year since I bought my dream house. I stumbled upon this book, and have since bought copies for my Mom, my in-laws, my best friend, my gardeners, my designer, ...! I guess I am now their best customer! I plan to give a copy to my designer and say "Here, do this!"

Need I say more?

Elton John is an aristocrat, not only because the Queen said so. He demonstrates this in every day life, in the way he admits his weaknesses, in his involvement for beautiful causes. His house on French Riviera is a jewell. It's almost "too much". But "too much" is never enough for Elton. Thanks to the great pictures from this book you will discover a yellow castle between blue sky, deep blue sea and green grass. White structure of the house creates a contrast with blue, green and yellow. These colours could have been chosen by David Hockney. Original style of this house was respected. Flowers are every where. Furniture is on line with the overall "villegiature" style. Don't dream "too much", this "Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat" life-style has a price. But who talked about money, here? Not Elton, for sure. This is, again, a demonstration of the noble qualities of that man. Never in the whole book, you will find any decoration detail that could make you think it is here to impress people or to demonstrate power. What a paradox! this modern excentric, in the tradition on XVIIIth century english excentricity, never looks arrogant. None of his crazy demonstrations of "luxe" make you feel bad. The Atlanta house is more interesting because of the beautiful furniture and made to order closets for collections of ... everything. This book is a tribute to pleasure, good taste (yes!) and high-life. I learned this word from Johnny Weissmuller in Acapulco (pie de la cuesta beach), just before he died. I think it is quite appropriate to describe what these houses are made for.

Berliner's book is delightful and packed with useful knowledge. I have read this book twice and used what I learned; it really made changes in my home and office. I highly recommed it.

A must-read for anyone interested in how powerfully design influences our lives. I hope the author will follow up with another book illustrated by many examples and plenty of before-and-after photos.

A must-read for anyone interested in how powerfully design influences our lives. I hope the author will follow up with another book illustrated by many examples and plenty of before-and-after photos.

"The easy and exhilarating emphasis of the text explains how to realign your home with the basic forces of nature: heaven and earth, the four directions, and elemental energies.... It's a book feng shui has been waiting for." Dennis Fairchild. Feng Shui for Modern Living magazine, UK

Enlightened By Design is great. I have another on Feng Shui but it's too esoteric -- this one is much more accessible. I like the way she incorporates many different traditions. Just very happy to have it.

This is the best reference in the designing industry. Should be in every designers library.

This is a great reference book on interior design! It covers all the subjects of an interior design that a degree program would cover: design theory, color theory, history of design, business practices etc...(it's also a great source for the interior design vocabulary!)
I am an interior design student and this is the first place I go to when I need to research some aspect related to the design field.

And I just know it - it'll be my much used resource when I am out of school and working in the field.

"Foundations of Interior Design" is an instrumental key for designers, design students and design enthusiasts all the same. This must-have handbook explores the profession from the inside-out, giving a vast overview of interior design as a whole yet delving into just the right amount of significant detail. Slotkis' style perfectly simplifies even the most intricate of information while providing plenty of helpful visuals along the way. Its title certainly rings true, for the "foundation" Slotkis lays for interior design is by far a solid one.

This well written, comprehensive, book on design has been an inspiration to me. I thoroughly enjoy referring to it again and again. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering the design field, or who enjoys design simply for the pleasure of it!

Susan Slotkis' Foundations of Interior Design is a gem of a book. More than just the basics, Ms. Slotkis' book includes critical details: from the historic backgrounds of furniture styles to color theory to the essentials of running an interior design business. And, the photographs and illustrations--many from Ms. Slotkis' own work as a practicing interior designer--support the concepts presented in the text. This book is a must for everyone who is passionate about interior design and wants to learn more.

If you have any quetitons about interior decorating, this book will give you the answers. Some of the pictures seem a little outdated, but all in all it's a great book. There are wonderful examples and explanations of the "technical" part of decorating. I'm very pleased to have this book in my personal library and will refer to it often.

This is the most informative decorating book I've come across. It tells you how to do and make everything you could possibly need for your home with easy to follow instructions. It's inspirational!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone who intends to decorate or remodel their home. As the slipcase states, it is an unrivaled visual sourcebook with almost 1,000 color photos and illustrations.

It is not just full of prety pictures of someone else's house decorated by experts, but full of projects you can do yourself as you are led through the steps, details and directories of where you can obtain the materials.

I've had this book since it came out and have shown it to many friends who have gone out and bought their own copies. An indespensible book for anyonew thinking of undertaking a project themselves, or to afford them the ideas and knowledge to have others do the work for them.

I tell you this is one of the best books about interior design I've ever seen! Just grab it and be inspired of all the ideas!

The book covers just about everything but I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner.