Book Description
The hands-on sourcebook for creating or restoring a stylish bathroom in the Arts & Crafts spirit. In this sequel to the best-selling Bungalow Kitchens, Jane Powell and Linda Svendsen turn to the second most complex room in the house. As reflected in these pages, the bathroom can-and should-be a beautiful extension of the home style-and what better examples than those from the Arts & Crafts era. Though it may seem a self-evident feature of the Arts & Crafts style, bungalow bathrooms are truly artistic endeavors. They go beyond the traditional pedestal sink and claw-foot tub to some of the most beautiful tile work, woodwork, fixtures, and decorative elements available. Bungalow Bathrooms is a guide to restoring or designing a period-style bathroom for a bungalow or other early-twentieth-century house. It provides a wealth of information about flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, faucets, and all the other elements that make up a bungalow bathroom, as well as advice on how to integrate modern technology while maintaining the bungalow look. Jane Powell, the author of Bungalow Kitchens, is the proprietor of House Dressing, a business dedicated to renovating and preserving old homes, particularly bungalows. She is the former president of the historic preservation organization in her hometown of Oakland, California. Linda Svendsen, a graduate of Music and Art High School and Parsons School of Design in New York, specializes in architectural interior and exterior photography. Her work has been seen most recently in Camps and Cottages, Bungalow Kitchens, Old House Journal, Old House Interiors, Victorian Decorating, and Lifestyles Magazine.
Customer Reviews:
Great Pictures.......2007-08-05
In the midst of planning for the remodeling of my bathroom in the Arts & Crafts style, I found this book filled with plenty of pictures and examples of bathrooms from that time period. Arts & Crafts magazines rarely show pictures of bathrooms. So it was great to have a book that was filled with such a variety of pictures as well as giving the history of this time period and tips for those who actually want to restore their bathrooms. Better money spent than trying to buy a huge amount of magazines hoping to get one picture here and there.
Not useful for building my new bungalow home.......2007-03-10
If I were restoring an old bungalow, this book probably would have been useful. The author gives explanations of "Obsessive Restoration" and a "Compromise Solution" for each part of a period Bungalow bathroom. For my new Craftsman bungalow, I merely want to bring in a few period touches, so the examples in this book were too extreme for me. Also, the author wastes too many pages discussing the history of bathrooms, which is irrelevant to me. Her companion book, "Bungalow Kitchens" is much the same.
Great for Remodels & Restorations.......2007-01-11
This book was very helpful for selecting the tile, fixtures, and faucets needed to achieve a bungalow-look for my bathroom.
No bungled bathrooms with Bungalow Bathrooms!.......2007-01-10
This little book is a goldmine for anyone who wants to put together an early 1900's bathroom. Almost everyone has seen the beautiful tiled baths of the past, but when one is trying to recreate such a room it is often hard to recall exactly what it was that made it so special. This richly illustrated book leaves no doubt. I recently wanted to put together one of these baths in my home, and finding this book made it possible beyond my wildest expectations. Anyone who has a similar project, or just wants to learn more about this style of room, will find Jane Powell's book worth its price - many times over.
best bungalow book.......2006-03-24
Together writer Jane Powell and photographer Linda Svendsen create the best bungalow books on the market. Whether you are thinking of remodelling your bathroom, changing a few details, or just want to understand the history of your bathroom, this is the book to buy.
Book Description
The most beautiful patterns in all of history... Imagine having an opulent compilation of history's most elegant and beautiful patterns and designs at your fingertips—to use, peruse, admire, and be inspired by. World of Ornament brings together the two greatest encyclopedic collections of ornament from the 19th century chromo-lithographic tradition: Auguste Racinet's L'Ornement polychrome Volumes I and II (1875/1888) and M. Dupont-Auberville's L'Ornement des tissus (1877). Adapted from historical items dating back to antiquity, such as jewelry, tiles, stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, textiles, and ceramics, these ornamental designs encompass a wide range of cultural aesthetics including classic Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Etruscan motifs, Asian and middle-Eastern patterns, as well as European designs from medieval times through the 19th century. Artists, historians, and art lovers will appreciate this lavish idea book, and interior designers and patternmakers will be delighted that all of the ornamental designs may be used and reproduced without restriction! Includes DVD-ROM containing high-resolution scans of all individual ornaments for unrestricted use
Customer Reviews:
beautiful...........2007-01-25
A simply beautiful book in all aspects of the word. Between the book and CD-Rom, worth every penny. Beautiful.
a huge disappointment.......2007-01-24
very expensive and about as inspiring as a book of wallpaper samples. I use this book to keep my cat from going under the loveseat. Sorry, but why don't you buy the cabinet of natural curiosities instead? that's about a thousand times better.
If you want to save some money. . ........2007-01-14
Then check out Dover Publication's "Full-Color Picture Sourcebook of Historic Ornament: All 120 Plates from "L'Ornement Polychrome" and "Racinet's Historic Ornament in Full Color" since Taschen's book is basically just an oversized version of these modestly priced books. Of course, you'll have to scan and manipulate photos yourself since the Dover versions don't come in any digital format.
Heavy Duty .......2007-01-12
This book is heavy. Literally it must weigh 20lbs. It is also heavy with amazing content and incredible beauty and erudite commentary. The DVD is worth purchase price alone giving so much royalty free content. Look for tons of wrapping paper featuring these images to appear in stationary shops.
The best coffee table book ever !!!.......2006-08-17
Recently I have found myself drawn to graphics of all kinds. Being a huge fan of Tashen books and seeing this book on their website I decided to order it. Now at $200.00 this was quite a big purchase but this book is incredible. The color plates are beautiful and the information about the designs is very complete as well as interesting. This is a huge book! I think it must weigh in the neighborhood of 10 lbs. It is not a book to take to the beach for a little read. However, it is a book to get inspired by and it will inspire you no matter what your art medium is. This is a book that I will tresure for years to come and I am sure if you decide to invest in this book you will not be disapointed.
Book Description
Decorative Style is the most practical and innovative resource of decorating styles, techniques, and tools and materials ever created.
Using innovative, easy-to-master techniques and surprisingly inexpensive materials (paint, paper, fabric, replica molding -- even photocopies!), Kevin McCloud -- a brilliant young set designer turned interior decorator -- shows you everything you need to know to design and create your own stunning adaptations of today's most popular decorating styles.
There are forty styles in all -- from Santa Fe, Shaker, Miami Deco, and Caribbean to Bauhaus, Biedermeier, Mackintosh, and French Country (to name just a few) -- each designed and created especially by the author and stunningly photographed, with literally hundreds of styling options and color variations to choose from.
Each style is represented by a complete floor-to-ceiling "room slice" -- a unique device that allows you to see the total impact of a scheme while easily visualizing its possibilities for your own room. The decorative effects and other components of each style are analyzed, rephotographed with a full range of imaginative alternatives, and cross-referenced to all the techniques, tools, and materials needed to create each unique effect. Even the most inexperienced and budget-conscious of home owners will be inspired by Kevin McCloud's imaginative use of inexpensive, readily available materials and amazing timesaving techniques.
Whether you do the work yourself or hire it out, whether you're redoing an alcove or an entire house, Decorative Style will kindle your imagination and give you all the tools you need to create spectacular, one-of-a-kind interiors that will truly distinguish and enhance the value of your home.
Customer Reviews:
If Your World's a Stage.......2007-10-05
The rooms pictured in this book are very dramatic-- some might suggest over dramatic. But if you'd like some drama in your life look here. A Greco-Roman Bathroom with a claw-footed tub. There's a new plaster bas-relief panel that was given some treatment with shellac and lime. I would probably have pulled out books showing the frescoes of Pompeii and gone with some of their less racy scenes.
His French Empire study for some reason reminded me of one of my favorite Nintendo Entertainment System games-- Castlevania. I think it was the imperial purple walls, candelabra and wall scones with lit candles that brought that game to mind.
You definitely need high ceilings and lots of "stuff" laying around to try to copy any of his rooms, but I think the books works better as inspiration and frankly I enjoy looking at the many items in the rooms-- I have the coffee pot, cream, and sugar bowl that goes with the tea pot on the table in the Baushaus Study. It was made in West Germany after the 50's so it's not actually period.
Anyway, fun book.
Not Useful - Too Theme-y.......2005-11-17
This was a beautifully photographed book. I'm just not sure why I didn't like it very well. Maybe it was because I did not find much that was useful in a room that I decorate in my home.
The book was somewhat helpful in demonstrating some of the techniques used to get the wall treatment, but maybe I am a simpleton and needed more steps. The rooms also did not have a very realistic look. I did like the wall treatment in the tuscany style room but really didn't like the room. The Greek room was also kind of strange looking to me, maybe because the decor was so "fake" looking.
I was just thankful I checked it out of the library first before spending my hard-earned money. "-)
If you like a VERY themed room, you might like this book, but I think I prefer something a little more subtle and classy that does not SCREAM the theme.
Good, but not as your only decorating book.......2004-08-19
This is overall a good book that has an excellent section on faux painting techniques and a decent section on various periods of decorative style. The pictures can provide plenty of inspiration if you're going for a certain period of "look" but don't know what elements you need to get there. It also has a good description of artists paints and pigments and where they came from. IE, what exactly is burnt sienna?
I would give this book five stars except that a lot of his decorating techniques seem better suited to a theatre set where everything is built from the ground up and it only has to last a few months. I found a lot of his overall decorating suggestions to be ill-suited to my needs, where I already have quite a bit of furniture, want to integrate what I have into an overall "look", and want what I do to last until I decide to take it down or paint it over. There are other books that meet that need, and they make a good complement to this book.
This would not be the only decorating book I'd buy, but is a good part of a collection. This book is worth it for the descriptions of the elements in each style period and the faux finishes section.
A Beautiful Book, but not enough detail regarding techniques.......2004-03-22
This is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL book. Many styles are explored and techniques discussed, however, there is not enough detail regarding completing the techniques. I had high hopes when I purchased this book, but I think that if I try doing any of these techniques, I'll have to make it up as I go along.
Refer to it over and over again.......2003-02-14
This is one of the only "inspirational" decorative books that I have kept for years. Why? Because in addition in inspriring, it tells me what I need to do it. And it lets me feel that these finishes are within my grasp. Now all I really need is a house with rooms big enough to do much of this!
Customer Reviews:
Nice book, wonderful pictures, But not the best of Mexican Interiors.......2007-07-25
This is definately a well layed out book, with really nice high quality pictures, my only question is why are at least half of the picture in this book of houses in the United States? Granted they are in the Southwest where there is a obvious Mexican influence, but I refuse to believe the best examples of Mexican interiors are found in Tucson Arizona! And of the interiors in this book most of the ones from Mexico are from San Miguel de Allende, or Guanajuato which are two towns a hour apart from each other. There are extraordinary colonial gems in Zacatecas, Oaxaca, Puebla, México City, ect, ect, that could have easily been included in this book instead of some American's house in the Southwest... I would have liked to have seen a book on Mexican interiors that were 100% Mexican. The book MEXICOLOR, though not entirely consisting of interiors is a far more authentic book.
Great idea book.......2007-01-12
We were looking for ideas for our outside patio area, especially colors, and this book is great for various decors with vibrant colors. You will find yourself looking through it again and again.
Exactly what I was looking for........2006-07-29
I was looking for a reference book to guide my Mexican-style remodeling and redecorating efforts, and this is the best I've found yet. (I have about a dozen!) Gorgeous pictures, and plenty of them. Each section discusses a particular room type (kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms etc.) and each room type gets a good amount of attention. Something I dislike about other books is their tendency to look only at the courtyards or living rooms of Mexican or adobe-style houses -- not so useful if you're considering how to tackle your kitchen. This one covers it all, including touching on gardens and indoor-outdoor spaces that are such an integral part of Mexican living.
Definitely pick up the companion volume, "Traditional Mexican Style Exteriors", while you're shopping. Together they paint a vivid picture of the colorful and vibrant style of Mexico.
Great ideas for learning about Mexican .......2006-03-23
This is a great resource if you want to get an idea of traditional Mexican-style decor. The book contains beautiful examples of homes in Mexico and the US. If you're looking for ideas and inspiration, this is a wonderful tool!
Great photos of mexican homes.......2005-08-02
I bought this book to give me decorating ideas for a home that I am building in the Yucatan. This book is filled from cover to cover with great photographs of Mexican home interiors. From furniture to paint colors, it has given me many ideas that I have incorporated into my home.
Average customer rating:
- FRENCH BY DESIGN
- Should you buy French By Design?
- Beautifully presented.
- Brilliant, Great Sense of Design, a Visual Delight
- France, American Style
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French by Design
Betty Lou Phillips
Manufacturer: Gibbs Smith, Publisher
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Similar Items:
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Unmistakably French
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Provencal Interiors: French Country Style in America
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Villa Decor: Decidedly French and Italian Style
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French Influences
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Secrets of French Design
ASIN: 0879059729 |
Book Description
The enduring appeal of French-country style spans the centuries, a gracious mingling of elegance and ease. After years of largely echoing the furniture, fabrics, and accessories linked with the region of Provence, these days French country is often far removed from the primitive images that hearken back to the early seventeenth century. Room by room, FRENCH BY DESIGN reveals the secrets to creating a contemporary French-country look, including textiles, furniture, floor coverings, window treatments, color palettes, wall treatments and lighting, thus allowing anyone to bring the look home.
Customer Reviews:
FRENCH BY DESIGN.......2007-01-12
I ACTUALLY BOUGHT THIS BOOK BY MISTAKE AS I THOUGHT I HAD ORDERED "UNMISTAKENLY FRENCH" BY THE SAME AUTHOR.
Should you buy French By Design?.......2005-08-13
I just did. The homes & rooms featured in this book indicate that money is no object and these homeowners want you to know it. Subtlety is non-existant. Rooms are very "we had a decorator & we spent a LOT". Most items looks too new, too ruffled, smocked, tucked and otherwise adorned. HOWEVER, if you can get past the pictures & READ THE TEXT- Phillips has a lot to say that is excellent. She lists sources & frequently shares fascinating comments on everyday details of French style (who knew about brass hardware vs brushed nickel?). If you read; buy it. If you look only at photos, don't! Charles Faudree is much better in the genre in my opinion.
Beautifully presented........2005-01-20
Another of Philips' beautiful French decorating books. Homes presented in this book, as with her other books are high end showing us the sumptuous fabrics, and lovely French furniture she specializes in. Homes shown are mostly mansions, not the average house. Good coffee table book.
Brilliant, Great Sense of Design, a Visual Delight.......2004-04-22
Not unlike all of Phillips' books, this book is a masterpiece of European syle and design. No detail is left unnoticed. The furniture, fabrics, antiques, architecture, artwork, and carved stone are each carefully considered and beautifully photographed. Every page is a visual delight. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
France, American Style.......2003-04-03
Beautiful photos and interesting commentary on French social customs. However, the featured residences are not French, but American homes decorated "in the French style," which is somewhat disappointing.
Book Description
Kaari Meng’s first-hand knowledge of what makes a beautiful, French-inspired home comes from years of combing French flea markets for unique treasures. Her popular shop, French General, offers handpicked linens and collectibles from her yearly visits to the south of France, plus an array of products to awaken the senses, from bath and laundry potions to ribbons, beads, and baubles. Here, she distills her much sought-after sensibility into 40 charming projects that capture the sights, scents, and textures of the French countryside. They include lavender sachets, lovely etched glasses, pillows, covered hangers, French potting boxes, and herbal lotions.
A Selection of the Homestyle Book Club.
Customer Reviews:
Every page is a treasure!!.......2007-08-18
I read this book from first page to last right after I opened it from the mail. It is filled with inspiration, helpful hints, decorating ideas, and an archive of full colored images that you can scan into your computer and use yourself. I love how she does not force her shop onto the reader, she states that you can find the items that she is explaining at flea markets and antique sales all over the world. I would rate this book 5 stars, for helpful insight into creating a "french inspired home." Cant wait for the next one!!
Disappointed.......2007-08-08
I must say I was disappointed in the book. I thought that it would have been more ideas of what furniture and fabrics to use to create a French inspired looking home.
I am in the processing of trying to create a French looking kitchen and I had hoped that would be inspiring.
But unfortunately for me it wasn't.
Defining What Is French Decorating or a French Home.......2007-06-12
I would have given this book 3-stars, if I hadn't read the 5-star view of C Albers. I realize that perhaps I didn't read the fine print regarding the book's description. Based on the title "French-Inspired Home" with French General -- who I don't know, I expected a book with a greater focus on rooms (a suggestion also made by Albers). In fact it is essentially a vintage crafts book with a French flavor.
I've visited Paris and the south of France well over 250 times on business and pleasure, and this particular style of French decorating is not prevalent. In fact, the most inspiring to me aspect of French decorating is the mix of old and new, ornate and clean modern. I spent two nights at the Louvre in Jan. 07 and marveled that only the French would be flashing modern blue lights on a heap (truly) of ancient Greek and Roman columns, with modern dancers and acid jazz playing to create a "new" mood for ancient art. THIS is French imagination at its best.
The photos in this book, while lovely, are stylized in a very old-fashioned attitude . . . great-grandmother's attic. Most of us don't live this way and what we appreciate are touches of these special memories, not an entire house full of them. Who has time to dust. Just kidding. Some of the bath projects look like easy pampering to make for yourself or special gifts to create.
In summary, if you know French General, then I would follow the Alber's review and 5-star recommendation. If you are expecting a sophisticated book of French home and country decorating, this is not it. Like me, you will be disappointed. A more descriptive and informative title would have saved me the money.
Bravo!.......2007-05-29
Charming book brimming with inspiration - well done! The photography is wonderful! Geared to encourage shoppers to visit Meng's store (brick & morter and on-line), you'll want to incorporate all of her ideas. Lots of how-to's. Meng's creativity and ideas are not just crafty - she looks to Europe for clues to create a relaxed French life. C'est tres bonne.
The French-Inspired Home.......2007-05-09
If you are looking for pictures of French decorated homes this is not the book you want. This was more like a craft book on how to make things for the French home. If thats what you are looking for it is a good book, I wasn't. If you want pictures and ideas buy Charles Faudree's Country French Living.
Book Description
8 1/2 X 10 In, 160 Pp, 125 Color Photos. Provencal Interiors: Inspired by the sun-drenched colors of southern France, french country, or provencal, decorating is the epitome of understated luxury, as fitting in the city and suburbs as in rural reaches. No matter that it's roots are firmly planted in the small stone farmhouse, or mas, the typical dwelling in the provencal region. It is eqaully appealing in a remote chateau as in a stately manor house, or bastide. The most inviting homes exude comfort,tradition, and grace. Most people, though, say it is charm that best characterizes the french interior. Through stunning photographs, informative text, and an extensive resource list, provincal interiors detail everything necessary for creating this harmonious mingling in america.
Book Description
Country living and style permeates every aspect of our culture- we yearn for the simplicity and comfort of country style living as seen in the pages of popular publications like Country Living Magazine and in Shabby Chic décor. There are many shades of country to match your personal style and Shades of Country, written by Chippy Irvine, masterfully presents some of America’s most beautiful, charming and fascinating country houses. Chippy introduces six unique country styles; Farmhouse, Grand Country, Cottage, Rusticator, Clean and Simple, and Urban Arcadia; enrich a home with warmth, texture, color and beauty. Shades of Country shows how you can mix and match styles or create a unified look while helping you enjoy the comfort of living in country style.
Customer Reviews:
So So.......2007-06-11
This book was a bit disapointing. The disappointment comes from the intrepetation of Country style or English country style, as shown the the photographs, as being lots of clutter and in some cases not the best of taste. I have many other style books that show how charming Country style, antiques and hodge podge collections can be, but somehow many of the examples in this book miss the mark. Maybe the author's take on Country style is just not my cup of country tea, so to speak. Many photos are from the author's own home and I felt that narrowed the scope of the book somewhat.
inspiration for your dream home.......2007-02-28
I can seldom resist a good décor book, especially one on Country Style. My current excuse is that I'm looking for ideas I can use in my own country house which I've been renovating for the past 5 years.
Shades of Country is perfect for the amateur decorator and it's reasonably priced too. It is profusely illustrated with a wealth of examples of actual American homes -- including the author's own country retreat -- which are not only beautiful but emphasize comfort & practicality. Some of them are derived from European country styles, but most are what we think of as typically American - east coast farmhouses, Shaker simplicity, Montana ranch and rustic Adirondack cabin.
There is something for every taste here; cosy bedrooms with iron beds & antique bureaus & old quilts in muted pastels; walls painted, wallpapered, wainscotted or of varnished logs; walls hung with blue and white platters, old portraits or prints or ornate mirrors; a stair rail made from a birch tree; support posts disguised as palm trees; kitchens with open shelves of china bowls or glassware, and red-painted iron pots hanging from overhead beams; staircases plain or classic; toile's and stripes and rose-bouquet chintzes; floral cushions on a jade green slip-covered sofa; cobalt blue cushions on spruce-green wicker chairs on a white-painted verandah; a window box on a country out-house, and bookshelves - which I seldom see in American decor magazines - including one converted from a fireplace hole-in-the-wall (I guess I'm not the first to think of doing that) and fluted pilasters high-lighting an otherwise plain bookshelf .
Whether you are renovating your home; or still dreaming of that someday home in the country; updating a tired décor or looking for ideas for colour schemes or a knick-knack shelf, this book will inspire you.
Beautiful Country Homes.......2007-01-16
This may not break any new ground in decorating, but I never fail to enjoy browsing one more book on the topic of country style. This shows use of fabrics, accessories, paint and furniture that makes country style what it is. It also defines some sub-genres of country; Farmhouse, Grand Country, Cottage, Rusticator, Clean and Simple, and Urban Arcadia.
If you like Country Living magazine or enjoy the Shabby Chic trend, then you'll find pleasure in this book.
Ho-hum.......2006-12-30
In my opinion, this book did not "live up to" it's cover. Too many of the rooms looked very dated. I love the idea of collecting over time but many of these rooms were very lackluster and boring. I requested it as a Christmas gift and wish I could un-request it!
Just another potpourri book..........2006-10-20
I love interior decorating books, especially Colonial, Regency and Victorian or English Country Style. But this book covers too much territory. A few pictures of each, as well as others styles like Ranch, or French. If you are having trouble deciding on a style, this book might help you. It has lovely illustrations, but again, as it is trying to cover many different styles falling under the broad title of "Country" your information is limited. There are too many books coming out like this. Specialty books are much better. Look to Rizzoli for the best in interior decorating books, or if you want some kind of country, best buy a book that covers that one particular style. I browsed through this at the store, hoping it might make a good Christmas present for me, but it ended up back on the shelf.
Book Description
Unmistakably French, the fifth book in Betty Lou Phillips' best-selling series on interpreting French decor for American homes, broadens yet again the limits of what French style can do for a home. No matter the location or size of the room to be decorated, the French rarely stray from favored and well-known characteristics of design-eighteenth-century furniture, sumptuous textiles, distinctive porcelains, and oil paintings in original carved-wood frames. In Phillips' newest book, she defines some of these specific secrets that French designers use to create an authentic French look-these certain basic decorating values they hold dear, seducing us with their self-assured approach to glamour, culture, and enduring respect for history. The book includes four sections: Passion for French, Art of Living, Savoir-Faire, and Fluent French. The style and settings seen in these contemporary homes, while American, are Unmistakably French! Betty Lou Phillips, ASID, is a renowned designer and the best-selling author of Provencal Interiors, French by Design, French Influences, and Villa Decor. She lives in Dallas, Texas.
Customer Reviews:
McMansion Style.......2005-05-30
If you like the newly built McMansion-styled homes, then this is the book for you. If you are looking for authentic French decor and tips, don't buy this book. This is no more "unmistakably French" than la Madeline food is to French cuisine.
Beautiful Book.......2005-03-20
I love all of Betty Lou Phillip's books. I really like her style - scrolled iron work, marbled tile and other beautiful touches. Some of the photos are of very extravagant homes, but they contain ideas that those of us with less imposing homes could include in our decorating. I could just sit and look through her books for hours. (Actually, I think I have!)
Much more of the same........2005-01-21
This book shows us several mansions, just as her other books do. They are very polished and show-roomy-think of the TV show Dynasty from the 1980's updated! The text is snobby, and it appears she doesn't intend to relate her ideas to her readers, but glorify herself.
gorgeous book, great ideas.......2003-10-17
At first glance just picking up the book and looking through it makes you want to run out and redesign you home. I don't have a french style in my house, more modern, but I picked up a lot of ideas from just frist glance. The pages are bold and dramatic with gorgeous colorful pictures on every page, the hints and descriptions are smaller and easier to read but you pick up a lot by the artistic photography. I love the book and look at it from time to time for inspiration. Great for anyone looking for ideas from beginning to advances levels of interior decorating.
Book Description
California Cape Cods and 21st-century Colonials proclaim the enduring popularity of colonial architecture. Colonial Style provides both inspiration and practical advice to homeowners looking to increase their home's livability while retaining its classic charm. The book explains the differences between three styles - Colonial, Cape Cod, and Saltbox - and chapters cover doors and windows, trim work, built-ins, floor and wall treatments, paint colors, and incorporating today's kitchens and baths into a timeless colonial interior.
Customer Reviews:
Good coffee table book..........2007-05-03
What it lacks in substance, it makes up for with pretty pictures. For historical zealots (such as myself) this book will leave you hungry for more information about Colonial homes and their historical roots, but for what it is, it's pretty decent. This book has good artwork, clean pictures and an interesting array of different Colonial styles.
That being said, I was profoundly disappointed in the book's lack of images and information on the ubiquitous Colonial Revival. That was my reason for buying this book, as I wanted to learn more about that style of housing. "Colonial Style" had very little on this incredibly popular genre (and derivation) of domestic architecture.
Then again, I am a purist. If you want some decorating ideas and like to look at pretty pictures of old Williamsburg-era Colonials, you'll love it.
Excellent, taken as a whole.......2007-02-19
This is a book which explores (mostly) middle class home interiors of the 18th and early 19th century. Yes, there are some odd digressions, but by and large it's a fine work brimming with great photos and ideas, mostly taken from original homes. This book is a solid effort, showing what appropriate 18th century interiors should look like when cleaned up in a modern restored house, or a recreated one. Those who like authentic interiors will like this book. Those who do not want an authentic interior, but want to mix and match taking a bit of this and a bit of that, but still want to call it colonial, will possibly find these interiors "dark and provincial". Well - news flash: 18th century middle class and lower class interiors in North America were, by their very nature, both dark (candle light, small windows, soot, dark paint) and provincial (being the colonies, after all). The word colonial has its own cachet, and many people insist on applying it to their house, no matter what kind of eclectic mish mash it is.
too rustic for my taste.......2005-07-04
This book has pretty pictures, but focuses on a more rustic colonial home. Think charming, yet squeeky, New England Inn. I was hoping for some pictures and ideas for a more "updated" Colonial with larger rooms. A little less "shabby chic" and more "classic decorating".
I only write this review to guide others. The book is nice and is perfect for that person who likes the older, historic-feeling home.
Great ideas and inspiration.......2005-06-19
As proud new owners of an antique home in Marblehead, MA -- built circa 1720 -- we were thrilled to find Treena Crochet's "Colonial Style." It helped greatly in getting our creative juices in motion. And the author even took time to respond to my e-mail inquiry about a ceiling issue which had us stumped. The book is a real pleasure to own -- just like our antique home! Ann and Mike
Good for some ideas........2005-05-19
I'm a traditionalist in the sense that I want to preserve the integrity of my old house 1765, and I'm looking at options with regards to bringing some of the old feel within a newer addition.
I actually thought this book had more actual period interiors, but they're a combination of some old with more new construction approximating the look of old with varying degrees of success.
What I feel is successful is retaining period color and contruction to mimic the period. I'm all for modernization where appropriate but not at the expense of destroying the fabric of history for modern convenience. To haphazardly mimic a style becomes mere embelishment which is fine in new construction but unconscionable distruction to an actual historic property.
18th century or 17th century structures didn't use bright colors and lighting. Part of the charm in an actual period home is viewing the environment as it was ment to be viewed. Much like the distain people have for colorized films, so goes bright overhead lights in a 18th century colonial keeping room.
The warm glow of candlelight or there aproximating that allows the room to feel as it was. (why and where blue, red, green etc. were or were not used and why).
On the otherhand, juxtaposing contemporary modern convieniences within an attached modern structure (relatively speaking) or renovation a disintigrating section, while intergating and leaving the old as art and accent from old can be a wonderful contrast in texture and environment.
This book is more along the lines of renovation, maybe restoration is a stretch but you might get some helpful photos. It's definitly not in the preservation category.
Overall I've gotten some descent ideas for my renovation project.
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