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If envy is an issue with which you struggle daily, you may want to avoid Great Kitchens, a lavishly illustrated walk-through of 26 fabulous kitchens in the homes of some of America's best chefs. This is a Taunton Press publication--the same people who bring us Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, and Wooden Boat, among others--so rest assured the production values are high enough to raise the stakes for everyone else in the business.
The one thing all of these kitchens have in common is that they didn't start out this way. There are kitchens put into Victorian houses, 1920s farm houses, swim schools (no kidding: Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill in Los Angeles, and her architect husband, Josh Schweitzer, bought a small swim school and put home and kitchen where locker rooms and showers could once be found), old bars, upscale apartments, ancient stone houses. These are kitchens, then, that have been thought about by people who work with food, and know what they want at home.
Built-in wood-burning ovens and hearths seem to be a big deal. So, too, are custom wok stoves. Seattle chef Tom Douglas put his enormous prep island on industrial casters. He also put his herbs and spices into cans that attach to bar magnets on what would be wasted wall space. He chose the domestic version of an industrial stove because it is better insulated and doesn't heat up the kitchen. And like several chefs in the book, he swears by his commercial Hobart dishwasher with its 90-second cycle.
Great Kitchens is a multifunction book. You can leave it open on a coffee table as a piece of publishing art. You can use it to launch your daydreams. But most of all, you can use it to learn from the mistakes and successes of others, and gain insight from a lot of very practical information.
Most over-the-top built-in appliance? Terrance Brennan's bread-warming drawer. But in this book, it makes perfect sense. --Schuyler Ingle
Customer Reviews:
Great Kitchens: At Home With America's Top Chefs.......2007-04-05
The color photographs in Great Kitchens are beautiful, with great detail. The book maps out each kitchen as well, and gives the reader remarkable ideas for first-rate kitchen design, fixtures, appliances, storage , cabinets, ect. from each Chefs personal home kitchen.
I only would have been a bit more inspired to see Kitchens of Chefs Bobby Flay, Or Giada DeLaurentiis,Emeril Lagasse, some TV personalities as well. Although, Mary Sue Milliken and Rick Bayless are in this book and show really creative kitchens.
Style Meets Functionality.......2007-04-04
Design a kitchen that not only looks good, but contributes to your own personal style of cooking.
What do you really want in your new kitchen?.......2007-02-15
After reading this book, I realized that part of me wanted a kitchen that would impress others. That aim partly conflicted with my personal aesthetic preferences and the way I like to live and cook. What inspired me the most in this book was seeing kitchens for cooks I revere. The diversity of kitchens is refreshing because many of the design magazines these days are focused on particular "looks." The pictures in the book are very good. Paul Bertolli's kitchen is interesting in that it doesn't have upper cabinets. I never considered not having upper cabinets, but it made the space feel much brighter and larger. The author also presents a floor plan for each kitchen and I found this really helpful for understanding kitchen dynamics.
My favorite kitchen book.......2005-06-03
I'm a coffee-book junkie if they're about house design. Most new books I order each month are tired re-treads and get a little stir of interest and then are donated to the local library. I won't part with this one. I took it to read on vacation, and it was gold for 800 miles of a long car trip. My husband was entertained by excerpts I read to him and fab photos I flashed him on boring stretches of desert highway. He's not into kitchen design (probably because he's done so many real projects) and even he found it interesting. The photos are top rate. The bottom line is that every kitchen is personal, and this book brings that message home better than any other kitchen book I've seen.
Great book about great kitchens!.......2005-03-29
Architect and author Colleen Mahoney hit a grand slam with this book! We just finished remodeling our own kitchen and this book was indispensible. The only thing missing was Colleen's expertise. We highly recommend visiting her website before you begin your project.
Book Description
Country Living's 750 Style & Design Ideas has sold nearly 50,000 copies-and this lushly photographed follow-up taps right into the red-hot craze. It's makeovers made easy and affordable!
Extreme Home Makeover, Trading Spaces, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: these days, people can't seem to get enough of makeovers. But most of us think we have neither the time, nor the resources or know-how to accomplish the look we want. That's why Country Living-- the authority on transforming a home into a tasteful, comfortable refuge--offers simple but lovely decorating ideas that are well within the reach of every budget. More than 400 breathtaking photographs present a wealth of inexpensive ways to bring style and charm to every room in the house--and outdoor spaces, as well. You'll learn chic and clever ways to decorate for festive occasions, as well as how to refurbish favorite old treasures and maintain an energy-efficient home. There are even some do-it-yourself projects, including tea-dyed linens and wreaths. A Main Selection of the Homestyle Book Club.
Customer Reviews:
Tons of ideas in this book! .......2007-10-12
Are you the type of decorator that needs to see photos of actual decorating ideas?....or (by contrast) are you the type of decorator that needs alot of writing to describe decorating ideas?
Hum?
...Well, if you are the type of "visual" decorator that loves to look at photos of decorating ideas ,in order to be inspired, then this is a GREAT book to own!
I am a visual learner, and I love to look at photos to be inspired when I re-decorate, so this book was an amazing find for me.
The title of this book says: "750 decorating ideas ", and the title is indeed, absolutely correct!
PS: I also purchased a similar book called "House Beautiful's 750 decorating ideas", and I loved that book also. Both are truly inspirational for the visual learners, like me.
Loved it!.......2006-05-19
I will definitely refer back to this book often. It is full of ideas, advice, suggestions and inspiration for all rooms and all areas of decorating. Fun, creative and inspriring! Not a how-to.
Book Description
From the basics of wiring a lamp through fitting a shade, learn how to transform virtually any object into a unique source of light. Use simple raw materials, or salvage those old neglected lamps with a modern makeover. Plus tips for choosing the perfect shade, and the pros/cons of various light bulbs. “Lamps that will attract attention even when the light is off.”—Good Housekeeping.
Customer Reviews:
Some Creative Lamps.......2006-02-03
I am really just writing a follow-up to the last review . I have a copy of the book so I was able to check page 142 and mine does contain the Sources for Lampmaking Supplies (pg 144 is the Index). Mine is the 1st edition of the book so possibly the sources were omitted from a later printing or possibly the other reviewer received a defective copy.
This book has some beautiful lamps to make as well as a few odd ones depending on your taste. There are lamps made from such items as stacked books, stacked tin cans, gourds, vases, a coffeepot, a birdcage, flowerpots and one even made from steel colanders. If you can't find one you like you'll at least get some ideas.
Important page missing !.......2001-12-02
If you want to make lamps this book will not be much help.
This book has a few interesting ideas, however, on the whole it was a disappointment.
I bought the book because I want to make my own lamps...many of the projects call for starting out with a lamp in working condition, which is not what I expected as per the title of the book.
The projects that actually are about MAKING lamps refer you to the suppliers list on page 142.
THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM because that suppliers list is NOT in the book. Page 142 is the book's index. The suppliers list was omitted from the book. I contacted Lark Books, (the publisher), about this problem, and received an obnoxious and very unbusiness-like reply from Chris Winebrenner, Customer Service.
Having worked at a publishing company myself, I understand how mistakes like missing pages happen. I also understand that it's the publisher's responsibility fix the problem. Lark Books isn't
interested in fixing the problem so I have contacted Sterling Publishing (Lark's parent company) about the problem and have not heard back from them.
I'm sorry I wasted my money on this book and will not buy anything else that Lark publishes. I certainly do not hold Amazon responsible for missing pages.
On a happy note I also bought "Paper Illuminated" by Helen Hiebert. What a wonderful and informative book, much more than the title implies.
Excellent book for learing lamp making, great photos.......2000-05-02
This is an absolutely wonderful book for any craft enthusiast and would make a great housewarming gift. The book is filled with beautiful color examples. For each project there are clear written instructions, a complete supply list, & before and after pictures.
First it takes you step by step with both text & photos on how to assemble & wire any lamp. Then it shows you how to build a lampshade from scratch. Types of light bulbs and how to pair a shade with a base are discussed.
Next, it explains how to make lamps out of common objects. In this section, one unusual one is made with tin cans, while another is created with gift boxes. However, my favorite was made out of a birdcage lined with paper.
How to transform an old, plain lamp into an extraordinary one is demonstrated. Many techniques including decoupage, beading, wrapping with plaster & the use of mosaic tiles are shown. My favorite was a ginger jar with a painted fish.
Lastly, making a lamp from scratch is detailed. My favorites here were a hanging lantern & gourd sconce. I also loved the fabric canister made of PVC pipe and cloth. The beautiful gallery, artists list and suppliers list were a great end to the book.
Book Description
Exotic Style is a celebration of international design. This stylebook features gorgeous interiors that beautifully combine furniture, fabrics, accessories, and art from every corner of the globe.
Now in paperback, Exotic Style explores this new look in interior design, from choosing functional and beautiful design elements to combining them with your own pieces. Never before has it been so easy to access an amazing variety of global furniture, fabrics, and art. This inspiring guide shows you how simple it is to incorporate international objects into your home?no matter what your budget?for rooms that are undeniably unique.
Discover rooms that incorporate the most beautiful designs the world has to offer, and learn the secrets to creating your own exotic space. Whether you are looking to jazz up your home with a few exotic treasures or to completely redesign your rooms, this is the sourcebook for global style.
Customer Reviews:
Surprisingly Good.......2006-01-10
My boyfriend bought me this book because I love to travel. This book helps to to incorporate all of my treasures into my home. The illustrations are gorgeous and the countries represented are widely varied. I can't wait to get started on another project.
Exotic Decorating.......2004-01-11
I think that anyone who has the slightest interest in decorating the interior or outdoor spaces of their homes should read this book. It is full of interesting ideas on how to decorate with exotic furniture, textiles, wallpapers, lighting, table settings, etc. Lots of good instruction what to do, what not to do and where and how to shop for those exotic treasures.
Handsome book , Full of great ideas.......2003-01-08
Fabulous book on decorating - using global style. Richly illustrated with numerous, wonderful photos. Offers fresh ideas and many suggestions on indoor, outdoor, every area of the home, how to incorporate eye-catching global accents and color palettes, offers numerous ideas to update a room via a major or minor makeover. A wonderful, up-to-date sourcebook of global style.
Amazing Author.......2002-10-10
This book has become a staple in my day to day life. Whenever I have a problem trying to figure out if something matches with the room then I just turn to this book and all the answers are right there in front of me. For anyone who has a house that they constantly decorate, I would definetly recommend this book. It is a must have and a must read. Sara Bliss has an amazing perspective on the world of design. The world will be seeing great things from this stunning author!!
An amazing, full-color photographic showcase.......2002-05-11
Exotic Style: Decorating Ideas From Around The World by freelance journalist Sara Bliss is an amazing, full-color photographic showcase of an incredible diversity of picturesque living atmospheres created from cultures and styles found around the world. The text addresses each new concept drawn from a different corner of the globe, and how it can be applied to create varied yet memorable results. There are design ideas, tips, and examples fro bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, outdoor rooms, patios and pools. Exotic Style is very highly recommended reading for interior designers of all experience levels ranging from the amateur do-it-yourselfer rearranging the look of their home or apartment, to the professional in search of inspiration for commissioned domestic interior designs.
Book Description
“A warm...approach to...making a home more joyful, friendlier...plenty of color pictures, occasional recipes, and creative play ideas.”—Booklist. “How to accommodate children in every room of the house, with safety concerns and storage needs incorporated into the design. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal. “Useful for those with young children.”—Chicago Tribune..
Customer Reviews:
Every family should own this book :).......2007-01-07
This is a wonderful book full of ideas to make your house into a warm, inviting, and child-friendly enviroment :) There are also a ton of pictures that will warm your heart :) I just love this book !!!
Book Description
Were so proud of our new book. And like its older sibling, this all-new edition is sure to be well loved. Its packed with adorable, inspirational, yet practical ideas, freshly updated for todays busy parents-to-be. Abundant photo layouts of different decorative styles provide creative starting points and help families take into account their own particular nursery needs. Its also packed with essential information on safety considerations, stretching budget dollars, and maximizing limited furniture and space resources. Features nUpdated nursery themes include traditional, modern, ethnic, gender-neutral, and many more nHelps families make the most of limited space with creative storage solutions and by combining the nursery with a home office or guest room nOffers helpful advice on special planning for twins and triplets nUp-to-the minute resource guide for everything todays baby needs
Customer Reviews:
Good ideas but lacks what's needed to follow thru.......2007-05-03
Although this book has many cute ideas, it has a resource guide in the back that gives the website or name of only a fraction of the products. I wanted to be able to find the brand and paint color names used as well as a specific bumper and sheet set in a bedroom that would have gone perfectly in the room I'm designing and none of that information was not listed. Very frustrating. I'll keep looking for a better book.
Good Buy.......2006-04-09
I bought this book (although I think of it more like a cataloge with just over 100 pgs.& soft cover)in search of unique ideas for painting a baby nursery and I found a few. The book contains several themes and decor as well as useful ideas for furniture in children's and babies rooms alike.
Nice pictures and will give you good ideas..........2005-09-13
Pictures are very nice and will give you good ideas whether you use painted walls or wallpaper.
Great resource for even the experienced decorator!.......2002-01-08
I usually don't find what I need in these types of books, one of many in a serial of themes, but "Ideas for Great Baby Rooms" really surprised me. I noticed it at a friend's house and after flipping through the pages I had to buy one for my library. At first you'll be swept away by the beautiful full page photographs and then when you go back and begin to read the book (so often one buys decorating books for the pictures alone, but this is an exception to that rule) you'll discover there is actually a lot of useful information as well. Every topic is covered from figuring out your budget, to safety, nursery themes (or not), shopping lists, arranging the floor plan, bargain hunting, and what to do if you don't have much time.
I appreciate all of the options the author offers at each turn, and her encouragement to find your own style by using the examples in the book as a creative starting point. Many of these nurseries have a personalized feel rather than looking like a cutout from a retailer's catalog (only a couple nurseries looked dated or overdone). This book is more than inspirational, it is also informative and I find myself returning to it often.
Inspirational.......2001-07-06
I found Great Baby Rooms quite helpful. There are several styles of nurseries ranging from traditional to contemporary. I was able to show my husband nurseries similar to the ideas in my mind and he was able to agree or disagree on my selections.
Book Description
The most beautifully decorated room pales without proper lighting. Get the latest ideas for innovative and efficient techniques with Ideas for Great Home Lighting. This detailed primer explains the basics of proper lighting, how to choose the right bulbs and fixtures, and design tricks to get the most from lighting, both indoors and out. Includes an extensive photo gallery and an updated buyers guide for practical inspiration and simple execution on light projects ranging from utilitarian to dramatic.
Book Description
Tile trends have changed dramatically since 1998, which is why were confident that this new 2006 edition will again prove to be an Ideas for Great best seller. Why? Designers and do-it-yourselfers alike will benefit from this informed resource. It lays outin typically clear, concise, and informative Sunset fashionall the new options available today, and the many innovative and clever ways theyre being put to use for floors, countertops, walls, and other dcor elements. Features nNew, expanded photo gallery features tile in architectural settings ranging from easy to elaborate nInspiring special sections offer up-to-date guidance on tile for floors, countertops, and walls, and as dcor accents nInformative buying guides cover patterns, colors, inlays, and grout nNew features on estimating, tile care, and maintenance nGlossaries throughout help readers become fully informed shoppers
Customer Reviews:
Great Tile Book.......2003-01-29
Very inspiring book with beautiful pictures! Also provides good shopping guidelines and basic tile facts. Good overview of the different kinds of tile from man-made to natural. Also covers maintenance. Very helpful tool for anyone in school, in the business, or looking to improve their home!
Customer Reviews:
I thought the book was great for decorating my kids bedrooms.......1999-06-07
It was great because the kids and i had lots of fun doing it together. Some of the things they altered from the book (i.e- colors and patterns). They enjoyed getting to chose the way they wanted there bedroom to look. My three 11 year old daughters made their rooms look dreamy with soft colors and glitters and sparkles everywhere. My two sons prefered a more personalized look. One liking sports, combined pictures paterns and colors to form a very upbeat and active setting. The other, prefered to be on the computer. He decorated his room with wall paint, and wires and lots of other high tech things. Take in mind none of this was the least bit hazardous. My house turned out to be a place where the kids liked to be and just plain comfortable, a place to relax.
Customer Reviews:
If you just want ideas..........2001-09-01
If you want to get ideas on what type of window treatments are available or what style you like the best, etc, this book is a great resource for you. Pictures are great, too. (This book does not give any instructions on how to make them.) I totally lack creativity but this book really helped me get ideas of what I'd like to make for my brand new house with extra large windows.
Good general info,some good designs, no instructions.......2000-01-08
Good information on types of windows and styles of window treatments, hardware, trims. Each page has sharp color pictures. Some current styles, but some seem slightly dated. Instructions are not provided.
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Joan Kohn's It's Your Kitchen: Over 100 Inspirational Kitchens
Kitchens That Work: The Practical Guide to Creating a Great Kitchen
The New Smart Approach to Kitchen Design (New Smart Approach)
Kitchen Culture: Re-inventing Kitchen Design
The Kitchen Planner: Hundreds of Great Ideas for Your New Kitchen
