Furniture Books

If you like the western lifestyle this book is for you.This book shows you that your old idea's about western furnishings is a thing of the past.You can dream about the old west with a new twist.It's all here the stunning furniture you never thought of as rustic western is here for you to drool over in all it's glory.Lose yourself in a world you never thought of as the west.This is for todays cowboys and indians.

I love this book! The author, Thea Marx, has done an exquisite presentation of bringing the best of the best together. Her book takes American design to a new level. A beautiful keepsake to share with friends and family. Renee Gabet- Ceo Annie Oakley Perfumery

We spent several serene hours with Thea Marx's book of Contemporary Western Design. Reading her favorable Amazon reviews, it is obvious that both Ms. Marx's book and western design are appreciated well beyond the west.

I am an interior designer. I have been adding to my collection for "lodge" and "mountain" and design which incorporates both contemporary and rustic elements. I was basing my purchase of this book on the front cover, coupled with the phrase, "Contemporary Western Design". Very deceiving. Only one or two pages of this book had photos as contemporary as the cover, and two were exterior photos. Everything else was cowboy chaps and leather and lodgepole. Not happy with this purchase.

With her book, Contemporary Western Design - High-style Furniture & Interiors, Thea Marx has created a masterwork in words and pictures; capturing the essence of this truly authentic, dynamic school of American design and the skilled, dedicated artisans, achitects and designers who pour their passion and inspiration into the furniture and homes captured in this book. Writing with flair and insight, Ms. Marx displays an insiders understanding of her subject. Throughout the book, her prose and images breathe life into each piece featured. This book is a must have for anyone interested in the American West, the spirit of creativity or superb craftsmanship. Bravo, Thea, a job beautifully done.

Im so glad to have a copy of this book again-I used to borrow it from the library-havent seen it in years, and have missed it BADLY!
It is just a fun read, besides having alot of great information presented in a really delightful manner.
Mr Grotz has a very low-to-the-ground type of style that is refreshing-he demistifies the entire subject of antique furniture and its care.
If you are dealing with MAJOR museum quality antiques-this aint the book for you, but if, like most of us, you are just collecting a houseful of affordable, cool 'old stuff'-this is THE book to have!

This is a 'bible' for the average amateur and full of good tips for both the experienced and fussy wood worker. I've used it for more than 30 years. Whenever I have a problem I start my research with this book, and I usually come back to it again after looking at a number of other sources. There are suggestions that you'll not find anywhere else. The humor is a delight. However Grotz wrote most of this before the development of many current ideas about how to preserve antiques. I imagine that employing some of his suggestions might lead to a reduction in the market value of an item. However, I don't think it will ever lead to a reduction in your personal enjoyment of the piece.

I love this book! Years ago there was a paint store in my town located minutes from a large retirement community. I noticed that retired painters would congregate in the shop and pass the time talking about paint and techniques with the owner. I learned more from those gents that I could have ever picked up from those glossy books that promise all you'll ever need to know and more. This book reminds me of those afternoons. Filled with sensible information that you will not find elsewhere. I have been restoring and refinishing wood for more than 30 years, and when I have a problem I turn to my copy of this book first.

I've used this book for 30 years - to learn about furniture, to learn about tools and, most of all, to learn how to finish, re-finish and repair furniture. It's an invaluable reference and guide with no pretentions. The drawings are excellent - you're not buying a lot of glossy photos of unaffordable furniture. Grotz's style is folks-y and sometimes coy, but it doesn't get in the way of the wealth of information he shares.

I've used this book for 30 years - to learn about furniture, to learn about tools and, most of all, to learn how to finish, re-finish and repair furniture. It's an invaluable reference and guide with no pretentions. The drawings are excellent - you're not buying a lot of glossy photos of unaffordable furniture. Grotz's style is folks-y and sometimes coy, but it doesn't get in the way of the wealth of information he shares.

A very interesting collection from Acanthus Press: very well documented, pleasant to read with a real work of documentation from the author. If you are interested by the fabulous golden age style glam interiors, you must have this book which is an opportunity to have a look through some of the most beautiful places in the world, decorated by a company who knew perfectly how to give a sense of grandeur to the home of the happy few... This is well write and fascinating and the pictures are great and carefully choosen! A must have as Jansen was the better!

I just had to have this large gorgeous book on Jansen and the series on important decorators just had to include this famous firm. Most Americans had heard of this French firm when Jackie O used them to decorate the White House when she was Jackie Kennedy. I just returned from Leeds Castle on the outskirts of London where he was employed by the American Lady Baille. I also got lucky because a tournament was held that day-a dream castle with a royal history.

This book was a great disappointment to me. Maison Jansen completed some of the most incredible design commissions of the twentieth century, but there is little evidence here. Jansen completed three important houses for Anita O'Keefe Young, and yet there isn't even a mention of Mrs. Young, let alone photos of her apartment and houses. The Paley project is foolishly included, even though the included photos are of the rooms AFTER Parish Hadley redid them, completely changing the style and tone of the rooms.
And the photos seem tiny throughout, with too much blank white space on each page.
This book only shows that a better book needs to be done about one of the most incredible
design firms that ever existed.

This is a beautifully presented book that provides a fascinating insight into the history of the legendary design firm, Maison Jansen. The most prestigious firm of its time, and one of the longest running (over a century), and most international, Maison Jansen completed some of the most celebrated interiors for the most influential people. Clients included royalty, statesmen, the rich and the famous - the Paley's 5th Avenue apartment, the White House for the Kennedy's, the Wrightsman's home, as well as homes and projects for the Shah of Iran, King Leopold of Belgium, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, etc.
There are plenty of photographs (although some in black and white), along with sketches and illustrations for proposals and completed schemes. The only thing missing is a reference of the amazing furniture created for each of their projects, but thankfully this issue has been addressed with a follow up volume titled "Jansen Furniture" by the same author, which I hope will be just as deserving of my high recommendation.

A very interesting book and a nice follow up to the 1970's cheaply produced book called Jansen Decoration (if you can find that book you'll shell out a lotta clams). Anyway I have one of the 70's books and comparing the content (not the quality of the earlier book) against this one, I was struck and how rather bland some of the rooms were that are featured in the new book. The 1970's book is filled (black and white photos unfortunately) with really chic rooms. So I guess I'm a bit prejudiced since I already had something to compare this one to. Anyway this is a great reference work for anyone interested in the history of Jansen interior design.
Stylemaven

This is a tremendous example of the art of japanese woodworking. From the set up of a simple work area to the explanation of the tools, how to properly care for, sharpen, and use this text will fall apart you reference it so often. I just had to find another in hard cover....

The Linden Publishing edition has a lousy binding. After a few uses the pages came off in scores. Avoid the Linden Publishing edition.

The content itself is of course ***** five-stars.

Everyone has accalades for this writing, It is along the lines of philosophy, spirit, and tradition. Craftsmanship and artistry as well as guidance are something I have sought for 6 years now. Even offered to be a gopher for other woodworkers I have admired. "Norm" has taught us how to use "Power Tools". He has shared woodworking techniques, the New Yankee way. Sam Maloof teaches us his love of wood. Some of the masters we revere have demonstrated the "way they got there". It is a step by step process. Odatesan guides us through the mentoring process in the tradition of the writer, with pictures, and stories.

I can't get the master to guide me from the outside, so I am fortunate to have this book to guide me from the inside.

The "spirit of wood" is a personal journey. This book is helping me through mine. Glad I found it.

Toshio Odate is a national treasure. I was lucky enough to be trained by him 30 years ago when he was teaching at Pratt Institute. He is a rare man who is bigger than life. His essense, love and respect to wood and the tools that he uses to create magic in wood are openly expressed in his book. You will walk away from reading this book with a new view on life and what it is to truly be a master.
Michael, NYC

This book is much more than a owner's manual for Japanese tools. The author, Toshio Odate, grew up with a father that was a woodworker and he apprenticed with his father.

The author shares many of his experiences; the unique methods of teaching are really quite different than American methods. For example, as an apprentice, there is no formal instruction--the apprentice must learn by observing the master while the apprentice is working--and woe be upon any apprentice that takes his attention away from his work. How one 'learns' in this situation is beyond me but apparently it works.

A couple of other examples: Odate-san left some stones freeze one evening during the winter which cracked them. That warranted a substantial beating.

Odate-san saved his extra money for a year and purchased a quality hand plane which is master promptly confiscated and he never saw it again. Apparently, because Odate-san was stil an apprentice, he was not worthy of quality tools and would never be allowed to see this tool, which he saved for for over a year, again.

I can't comprehend why breaking Odate-san's heart was a good way to teach him woodworking skills, but he seems to be over the hurt inflicted by that episode. And now he is a master woodworker that is reaping substantial royalties from the books he wrote. So, that system seems to work.

The author provides many details regarding the use of Japanese tools. There really isn't much else you need to know. Also, the drawings are very good but a few more photos (in color) would be nice.

The section regarding sharpening could be expanded with some additional information and techniques, such as hollow grinding, the use of sandpaper and the benefits of synthetic stones.

The jigs and techniques are nice, but it does get a bit repetative when it comes to combining a set of design elements into various projects.

An excellent, well-illustrated book for accomplished and advanced woodturners. Not for beginners, except to let them know what the big boys can do.

I found it to a very helpful book. The layout is excellent and easy to follow. I would highly recommend it.

This is a great book that will certainly get your imagination working overtime. Good for inspiration, but only the more advanced turners could probably be successful at any of these projects. Not to mention a few specialty tools or if you already have a large variety of tools to work from. With about five years experiance and making many complex pieces, this was still a bit over my head, or maybe because of being limited by my lathe and tool selection. BUT I got some great ideas from this book that have "turned" into some nice pieces. I will conquer a few of these prodjects but for now I'll keep turning...

David Springett has brought together a set of clear, step by step instructions to build jigs that make the unthinkable thinkable, and the impossible possible. If you are interested in lattice turning, spheres, Chinese balls and rings, interlocking spheres, and many other mind blowing turnings, then this book is a must read. The most amazing project is the turned box inside a sphere.

The projects are step by step and fully illustrated with clear well taken photograps. Springett also includes clear instructions on how to make the tools needed to make the lattice cuts and undercuts needed with the various spherical turnings.

I have to agree with the reviewer about the dimensions - things don't always add up. But the projects are nice, you get a pretty good idea and since you are checking dimensions anyhow you can make modifications to personalize. I made two of the smaller items and they look great. The little history behind the items was interesting too.

I could go on and on about how fun and easy David Smith makes woodworking! Great projects, outstanding plans and instructions, and the "Know How" sections are fantastic! The "Know How" sections takes the reader through unique procedures, provides tips of the trade, and each "Know How" section has many clear and detailed photos. [...]

Whether your new to workworking or a seasoned pro, you'll love this book!

This book is perfect for the beginner/intermediate woodworker who loves early American country furniture. All of the plans are either exact replicas or very close to the real thing. David's attention to detail is excellent. So far I've built about 7 of the pieces and am furnishing my home at a fraction of the cost of buying the real thing. I only wish he would print another volume with more projects.

Let me think. How many projects of David have I made? Five or six I believe. The most time consuming was the Ohio corner cupboard, about four or five months. A fun easy project was the shoe-foot settle table. In about two months you will get a nice 46 inch around four person kitchen table.Current project is a work table. So why five stars for his book? First- few if any omissions in directions. Second- difficult aspects are anticipated and explained. Third- even individual joints are explained fully in the easy to read directions. Last but not least- if you enjoy,say, Fine Woodworking or other magazines, it is a fun read- and you may learn a few tricks of the trade. Have fun with the book!!!

The first project I built from this book is the Chimney Cabinet. Either the top Door Stile is too narrow or the door too short either way I lucked out and layed the door frame and doors out first before installing finding a 1" gap above the top door to the Stile. The dimensions are wrong. Second, The placement of the top door handle will hit a shelf darn near dead center!! These types of dimensional errors are totally in-excusable, and I recommend that all projects in this book be checked dimensionally before building.

A year or so ago I read one of Barry's fiction novels called Big Trouble which was pretty entertaining so when I came across this non fiction book as well as Dave Barry's Bad Habits I decided to check them out. Of the two non fiction books Homes and Other Black Holes is certainly the more entertaining of the two with Barry giving more tongue in cheek advice based on exaggerations of the real world. In Bad Habits he was prone to telling more of his life stories than dishing out advice which to be honest they weren't that interesting, so this much thinner book with most of the life stories filtered out is much more pleasurable a read and is also a lot less dated too.

In Homes and Other Black Holes Barry comments on and gives advice on all of life's big decisions such as purchasing and selling homes, having kids, having pets, security alarms, gardening and buying furniture. Definitely an interesting and entertaining read. Check out his fiction as well.

Look, how can you not love Dave Barry. The man is one of the touchstones of the '80s and '90s, standing among such comedic giants as PJ O'Rourke and holding his own.

This book cracked me up when I first read it as a non-homeowner, and cracked me up even more after I'd bought a house. While Dave has slown down slightly with success, this and his other early books (Babies and other Hazards of Sex, and Dave Barry's Guide to Marriage and/or Sex) are still uproarious.

Look, you need something to read on the john. This should be in the can at the Library of Congress.

If you've ever bought a home or you work in real estate, you will find this especially funny because it hits so close to....uh, home. And it's a short book too, so it'll be a nice quick read to fit into your busy schedule.

Its probably a good thing I wasn't drinking anything as I read this book, because I would have frequently sprayed the pages with my beverage if I had! Dave Barry takes aim at the trials and tribulations of home ownership, and hits the mark as accurately as he does any of his targets. This is funny stuff, best appreciated by those of us who have actually been there and done that. I had to read a number of passages to my wife, but her favorite was the bit about finding a pediatric group after moving. There is one piece of advice in here that I might actually follow when we finally are ready to move again: "Set fire to your household goods...and just walk away."

If you have ever moved, chances are that you never want to do it again. And Dave Barry is quite willing to remind you why moving is such a hideous experience, and why if you ever get the urge to do it again, you should lock yourself in a broom closet until your fit of insanity passes.

Among other things, Dave explains why your furniture takes so long to arrive (it involves primitive harvesters in the jungle) and why you will hate it when it arrives; what is and is not a good neighborhood ("I [heart] my Pit Bull" is bad); the horrifying thing called a mortgage; home repair and why you should not do it yourself; making enemies with your neighbors and their big savage dogs; garage sales; moving stuff out of your old house ("Tropical fish should be individually wadded up in newspaper") and into your new house ("... which will give your possessions an opportunity to scurry, giggling, back out to the truck so that you may carry them inside again").

Basically, if the idea of moving doesn't scare you before you read the book, it definitely will afterwards. Dave explains in horribly, humorously accurate descriptions, just what will happen when you try to move from one house to another. His viewpoint is only warped by the bizarre mindset of one who has tried to move and is still scarred by the experience.

So if you ever look around your house and think that you need more space, or a chance of scenery, have the doctor prescribe you something. But only after you've read this book.

I've purchased this book for the second time having sold my first one. I will not sell it again. For every room shown in this book and there are many---there is instruction, patterns, etc. for almost each detail item. No big furniture making instruction, there's a lot of polymer clay making and although not new, many tips for a novice, like me.
Lots of photos and clear instruction makes this an invaluable book for the mini maker/lover. Get it now because online (if you can find it), hardback copy is going for $60-$105....can't believe it. Yes, it is that good! Sue Heaser's books are following close behind.

While this may be a good place to start if you are new to the dollhouse hobby, on the whole I was dissapointed with this book. The instructions are simple, and easy enough to follow, and there are neat little pictures to photocopy, but the projects themselves are not as high quality as those from many of my other dollhouse books. Great for those who are dabbling with the hobby, but for more experienced mini fans, I would give this one a miss.

I took this book out of the local library because I am in search of projects to build in a larger scale (about 1:3.5) and wanted to get ideas from the dollhouse hobby. It is so lovely to see the photos of all the different completed items put together in a scene, it gives one lots of good ideas and inspirations. Many of the designs are made simply so that they can be copied exactly by the amateur, or expanded upon by the expert. Doll house making is such a varied art, and there is room for many styles. "The Artist's Workshop" chapter is also rather amusing, and "The Illustrator's Studio" is cute. Those and the Conservatory are the ones I personally would most be looking to emulate.

I think there must be some petty gossip and whatnot going on in this miniaturist hobby. There are some exceedingly immature reviews that have been posted below and I hope that amazon gets around to removing them. What do these persons want, some kind of textbook to copy exactly so that everyone's work will look alike? Such a lack of professionalism only makes the hobby at large look bad to the rest of the world. This is a fine book and I would love to see any of these things "live" at a show.

Yet another excellent volume to add to your Miniature Library. This book also by Kath Dalmeny, is perfect for those wanting to make their own accessories instead of the commercial items available. Lots of very useful templates to take the guesswork out of those boxes, crates, labels etc. Ideal for those who like constructing things!

This book is packed with the most amazing craft projects, Kath Dalmeny's attention to detail simply breathtaking. I have her next book and if you want to make your own dolls house furniture, rather than buy it in a store these are the books for you.

The stuff may be a bit European looking to American eyes but that simply adds to the charm. Is she English? I guess so with cricket bats and the like maybe she can get over here and produce an American version with mini bleachers and baseball bats!

To the reviewer from Chicago, if you can do better then I look forward to YOUR book!

My recommendation is buy the book, get inspired and try your hand.

Mexican Country Style was received as a a Christmas gift in December, 2000. Originally used as a "coffee-table" book, once I started to read the descriptions with each photograph I was hooked. Not only will you be able to navigate the architectural terminology like a pro, you will also get a glimpse of the past as only a tourist does when he travels with a guide from the area. Joe and Karen's personal travels' are documented with breathtaking color photos and detailed accounts of their visits into the heart of Mexico. Once you begin reading the book, you will not want to put it down until the very last page!! Mexican Country Style is a great read and an educational journey for the soul.

These are great books if you are trying to decorate your home with this look. I have some of their other books but the problem is that they repeat a lot of their pictures in the other books. Since they are a bit pricey, I'd recommend getting only 1 or 2 books otherwise you'll end with a lot of repeated pictures.

Nice book, but more of a reference book than help in design.

Beautifully photographed with a pallete of colors that invite you to decorate a small space or an entire home. Mexican Country Style is the definitive volume for those of us who seek southwestern/south of the border interior design, furnishings and accessories. Sumptuous photos that invite you to sit down with a margarita and explore this comfort feel decorating style. Authors, Witynski and Carr, have an enthusiastic love and flare for this style decorating and this book showcases their skills.

I was looking for a coffee table type, picture book to flip through for inspiration for a "themed" project. This book has beautiful, quite subtle, photographic illustrations. Not as over the top as I had thought I wanted. But it is the writing of the authors that delight! Once I settled down and read the text I realised that it had a lot to teach me. A thoughtfully written and illustrated book which has positively influenced me and exceeded my initial expectations!

Some reviewers think that it is wrong for this book to be too Manhattan focused, but how can it be otherwise if she lives and works for clients in Manhattan? And forgive me, but it does make a wonderful case study, for most people who want plants in NY can only have them in containers in their terraces. And yes they are not dingy apartments, but PLEASE, who would want pictures of a dingy terrace in a book!!! She makes a point whith the title, for she creates little "paradises" that help people relax from their hectic city lives. The use of antiques or old suff is great and I truly believe that some of them are not that expensive. She provides invaluable advice as to landscaping with containers, which, to say the least, can be quite tricky. You might end up with a collection of containers and not good overall design. One example is placing them in trios or triangles to give structure to the design. Believe me, it has been a real eye-opener. I used to line up pots along walls and never knew why it wasn't working. Thank you Rebecca!

Also, I can't help but saying that she DOES NOT sound ego-centric at all, I find this book very personal, almost as if you were getting advice from a friend. The difference with this book is the personal tone, and of course it is personal, all are projects that se actually has done herself. She did not travel the country taking pictures of beautiful gardens. These are all her clients, and you really can detect her personal style (absolutely Manhattan shabby chic).

And last but not least she has finally put my mind at ease as to the conflict between designers who do drawings and designers who don't. She confesses she does very rough plans as to see the location of the plants, but she does not spend entire hours on a drawing. I have always thought that good garden designers and gardeners not always draw well (By the way, has anyone studied Gertrude Jekyll's planting plans? You know what I mean then). She is pretty confident in her skills. I think it all comes to experience in the end. And I was forgetting, this book is also pretty! So if you are not that much into gardening but want to buy a pretty book this is definately it. I also reccomend buying her book on flower arranging, FLOWER POWER.

A dear gardening friend and I bought this book for each other and it is quite a treat. The book is a wonderful read and full of ideas and suggestions for creating our own bit of Paradise. Visually, the book is amazingly beautiful. The premise of the book may be for small, patio and container gardens but Rebecca Coles "eye" for Paradise may be used for any size garden. And everyone needs their own bit of Paradise to take the time to breath a bit more slowly, to bring the senses alive to fragrances, sights and sounds that we take for granted everyday. Every garden holds the potential for giving us a glimpse of Paradise - Thanks Rebecca!

Paradise found is not just a guidebook for gardening. It is an outstanding piece of art! Usually you get a lot of tips and howto's from ordinary gardening books. But this book totally changed my aspect in designing my balcony garden. It gives you various ideas for total cordination and concept of your garden design. Rebecca Cole's artistic sense is extraordinary and very inspiring. This book is a MUST OWN! Very beautiful photographs, too!

My favorite thing about both of Rebecca Cole's books is that she does not make the art of gardening and design seem too precious or difficult for the average lay person. Both of her books inspire confidence in those of us who think we have a pretty good sense of style but never went to RISDE or a school for Botany. She tells lovely anecdotes about people like you and me who are inspired by her work and go back to their own cement rooftops or scraggly backyards and create paradise where once there was none. Her writing is lively, funny and informative. I can honestly say that I have never read a gardening book from cover to cover with the exception of this one and her previous book POTTED GARDENS.

Aside from the wonderful writing, this book is filled with beautiful images. The smoky style of photographer Helen Norman works perfectly with Rebecca's sophisticated and sometimes whimsical designs. I have given this book to a slew of friends and family. Without fail they tell me how the book inspired them to try gardening and design ideas that they had never before considered. I can't wait to see what Rebecca Cole will do next.

I agree that Paradise Found is very New York-centric, but I guess I thought that was the point: If you can grow it in a bucket on a terrace in sooty old NYC, you ought to be able to grow it anywhere. I found plenty of great ideas to apply to my desert garden in New Mexico, and didn't feel a bit slighted, geographically. (On the other hand, that Mason-Dixon thing IS a problem.) All-in-all a beautiful book with plenty of great design ideas and a few glaring glitches. Isn't it nice it was discounted?