Book Description
Natural swimming pools rely on the correct balance of plants and microorganisms to clean and purify the water. They are a safe place for children to play and birds to drink, and are a dramatic example of ecological design, combining the natural and man-made worlds while creating beauty. These pools offer enjoyment not only in the warm months, but during winter, too, when they can be used for ice skating and other activities. Often the focal point of a garden, natural swimming pools blend into their environments, flowing into the surroundings with plants and rocks.They reflect the changing seasons and they enhance the environment naturally. They are easy and less costly to maintain than chemical pools, providing significant savings in water. Chlorine and other common pool chemicals are hazardous to human health and are not used. This book is a necessary resource for anyone interested in having a natural swimming pool and shows how a natural swimming pool system works, as well as the environmental, health, and safety benefits it offers. Drawings, diagrams, and charts cover planning, design, biology, materials, construction, planting, and maintenance. Over 300 beautiful color pictures feature projects that will inspire you to have your own natural water garden where you can swim in harmony with nature at any time.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect book.......2007-09-04
Great book for all aspects of creating a variety of green/natural pools. Beautiful pictures and good illustrations and copy to help in decision making.
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK .......2007-08-22
Simply put this book is a MUST READ for anyone intersted in any aspect of Sustainable and Ecological Design. It should be read right along with Permaculture by Mollison, the Passive Solar Handbook by Mazria, Rainwater Harvesting by Lancaster, and ecocities to Living Machines by Todd. Even if you aren't specifically interested in making a swimming pool (which you will be after reading it) the insights into the workings of hydro-ecologies and how to design natural systems are invaluable!
If you aren't interested in the whole range of sustainability but just this particular topic of pool design then this book is STILL A MUST READ. If you're an ecologist who wants to make a pool, or a pool designer who wants to do something ecological this book provides an excellent layman's understanding of ecological design, with good technical and artistic advice for how to do it, and good technical and artistic advice for swimming pool construction.
I would still advise you to also purchase the book Poolscaping as a companion to this one.
This is an all around excellent book buy it now.
Beautiful photos; strange text.......2007-08-01
Thumbing through the book will make you want to move to Austria or Germany where beautiful "natural" pools are somehat established. Why is the U. S. so environmentally backward? Unfortunately, the text is awkwardly translated at times such that one has to struggle to figure out what is meant with limited success.The assumption is that one is swimming only in the summer, but in California we may want to swim year round. Useful especially since so little information is available. Can't understand why the publisher didn't insist on professional proofreading.Buy it for inspiration, or wait for the next edition, or wait for one more applicable to your area. It does provide info in the back about two U.S resources, one in CA.
Very complete book .......2007-02-24
Is the book i need for learning on natural swimming pool. Now i can make my own pool
Surprisingly COMPREHENSIVE!.......2007-02-09
This large sized book covered the subject exceedingly well in lots of color photos with explanations and, more importantly, in lots of diagrams and nuts and bolts descriptions. I only read sections here and there but what I did read clearly indicated to me that you could actually use this book to build a natural swimming pool. At the least, you could definitely make a solid decision whether or not you could build or would want to build such a pool on your property. These pools are basically like salt water aquariums in that you have to make a biosphere and monitor it. In some ways it's not as easy as it sounds but also not as hard as it sounds. However, start up takes time and it can be tricky to finally reach environmental stabilization. I am not going to build a natural pool but I still found this book very useful. At the end this book are MANY pages of water plants and trees recommended for certain types of water areas. There are zone maps of the US included for reference. So even if you just want to make a little ornamental fountain in a big pot on the patio deck or a pond or a bog out back, this book has a VERY comprehensive set of plant lists you will find exceedingly useful. 18 pages of them. Categories include Submerged Plants, Floating Plants, Floating Leaved Plants, Shallow Marginal Plants, Deep Marginal Plants, Moisture-loving Plants, Bog/Marsh Plants, Waterside Plats-Trees & Shrubs, Ferns, Grasses Sedges Reeds and Rushes. Botanical and Common Names are listed along with height, spread, water depth, flower color, flower period, foliage, position, comments and plant zone. It's the best I've seen in any book so far.
Book Description
/*0-13-048399-0, 4839J-7, Riggs, J. Rosemary, Materials and Components of Interior Architecture, 6/E*/ Taking into account the dramatic advances being made in materials and technologies, this innovative book on interior architecture offers a refreshing, synergistic approach to the field while exposing readers to many exciting nonstructural materials available to today's designers. With an eye on the environment, it provides a firm understanding of the products, properties, and uses of all materials, covering everything from floors, walls and ceiling to installation, and recycling. Progressing from the ground up—literally—it looks beyond the more decorative aspects of design to study the properties and uses of both finishing materials in the design field and structural materials in the architectural field. For interior designers and specifiers.
Customer Reviews:
Very Poorly Written.......2006-08-22
This book is very poorly written. It also does not adequately discuss estimating materials.
Broad Outlook on Interior Products.......2000-06-21
This book is a good reference for anyone who is currently designing or building a luxury home, but for a general education on construction interiors, this is not the book. There are many references to the latest products, which include both color and feature description that will be quickly outdated. Most of the discussion centers around materials that would be used in an affluent home rather than your typical family residence, and product descriptions focus on the unique product, not the typical. Dimensions for comfortable clearance and layout hints are useful for residential layout, but the commercial references are very limited.
Book Description
ASP.NET 2.0 Programming: Problem Design Solution is aimed at describing, designing, and implementing a site much like the ones you’re probably working on or will be soon, while taking the opportunity to introduce and explain many of the new features that the new great ASP.NET 2.0 framework offers. Difficult problems are addressed head-on so you'll be ready for most of the problems you’ll typically face when writing a modern website, and have one or more solutions ready for them.
Unlike many other ASP.NET books that show examples for individual pages or features, the example in this book is an integrated end-to-end site (written in C#). The entire book and site has been written specifically for ASP.NET 2.0, to use the ASP.NET 2.0 features wherever they make sense.
The end-result is a website which features a layout with user-selectable themes, a membership system, a content management system for publishing and syndicating articles and photos, polls, mailing lists, forums, an e-commerce store with support for real-time credit card processing, homepage personalization, and localization. The book leads the reader through development of a site with:
- Account registration, personalization and theming
- News and events, organized into categories
- Opinion polls
- Newsletter
- Forums
- E-commerce store with shopping cart and order management
- Localization
Administration of a site will be covered including:
- Full online back-end administrative section, to manage practically all data from an intuitive user interface
- Site deployment
In building these site features, you'll learn these new ASP.NET 2.0 features:
- Master pages
- Theming
- Personalization & Web parts
- Membership & Profile modules
- Personalization
- The new server-side UI controls such as GridView, DetailsView, FormView, Wizard, MultiView, the new xxxDataSource and navigation controls, among others.
- The new compilation mode and deployment modes
- The new framework for instrumenting the site, as well as handling & logging exceptions
- The new ADO.NET 2.0 features (e.g. caching with database dependency)
- The new classes for easy distributed transactions Management
This book is also available as part of the 5-book ASP.NET 2.0 Wrox Box (ISBN: 0-470-11757-5). This 5-book set includes:
- Professional ASP.NET 2.0 Special Edition (ISBN: 0-470-04178-1)
- ASP.NET 2.0 Website Programming: Problem - Design - Solution (ISBN: 0764584642 )
- Professional ASP.NET 2.0 Security, Membership, and Role Management (ISBN: 0764596985)
- Professional ASP.NET 2.0 Server Control and Component Development (ISBN: 0471793507)
- ASP.NET 2.0 MVP Hacks and Tips (ISBN: 0764597663)
- CD-ROM with more than 1000 pages of bonus chapters from 15 other .NET 2.0 and SQL Server(TM) 2005 Wrox books
- DVD with 180-day trial version of Microsoft(r) Visual Studio(r) 2005 Professional Edition
Customer Reviews:
Nice overview of how to implement 2.0 features........2007-10-06
Overall, I think the book was a good investment and well worth the read. It lives up to everything that the title implies. The only reason that I didn't give it five stars is that the links for downloading the code have been broken since I got the book (several weeks now). It would be very helpful to have the project open and be able to reference the code directly rather that having to page back to revisit code that has already been covered, but is now being referenced as the project progresses.
A great idea, a very good implementation.......2007-09-08
When I ran across the 1.1 version of this book, I had hoped there would be an update for 2.0. I love the idea of the book - a complete project run from beginning to end.
Marco's explanations and examples generally very good and I feel like he accomplished what it looks like he set out to do with the book. The project used in the book is a solid foundation for learning about ASP.Net 2.0 covering a wide range of topics.
Generally speaking, this book has gotten a lot of use, whether looking for something specific that Marco did, an idea on how I might do something, or comparing notes on my approach vs the one in the book.
I am giving the book 4 stars (instead of 5) simply because I think he could have covered a couple of things in a little more depth and still kept the flow and feel of the book overall.
Good ASP.NET book but not for beginners.......2007-08-25
The title of this book should be *Advanced* ASP.NET Problem - Design - Solution. This is not a book for those new to ASP.NET (at the ASP.NET page http://www.asp.net there is a section that includes ASP.NET books divided by beginner and professional; very useful). This book is for the developer who has programmed at least 6 or so websites with ASP.NET and wants to get into creating forums, mailings list, profiling, allowing the user to choose their own themes/skins, etc. The author assumes you have a firm handle on ASP.NET (also on HTML, CSS, Object oriented programming, C#, SQL and SQL stored procedures, n-tier design of web apps, etc) and quickly moves into advanced programming with ASP.NET. I would rate this book highly because it does cover a lot; it's just not practical for beginners or even intermediate level ASP.NET developers.
Good reviews - bad book.......2007-07-31
I bought this book because of the rave reviews. Once I began to read, however, I found it disappointing. Explanation and examples are vague and/or incomplete. The author should be forced to take a basic writing course before he is allowed to write anything more then a letter. Shame on the editors for letting this type of document out under the guise of instruction.
The best book about Asp .Net 2.0.......2007-07-07
Some months ago Giuseppe Dimauro advised me about this book, saying that it is a relly good book and i bought it. I I have read it in two weeks.
What to say about the best book about Asp .Net 2.0 ?
Everyone will read it will understand something new.
Thanks Marco.
Customer Reviews:
Concrete Countertops.......2007-05-28
This is one great book! Very informative. My husband is now in the process of changing our old countertops to new "concrete"ones. I can't wait to see them done and installed.
GOOD STARTING PLACE FOR A BEGINNER.......2007-04-05
Thank you for this book. I am an absolute beginner and I have done two countertops that have come out pretty good for my friends just by following the instructions in this book. It is a good book to start you on the correct path but you need to do some added research on the net to get additional info especially when you live in a third world country and all the materials are not readily available. Good book...you can buy it.
Great intro to concrete design.......2007-02-13
This book offers a great introduction to the flexiblity of using concrete in a home - for floors, kithens, walls, etc - and provides beautiful photographs of examples concrete use in contemporary homes.
Alan Safani
Concrete countertop book.......2007-01-04
We used this book along with Cheng's other book (Concrete at Home), his DVD, and his concrete product line to make our own concrete countertops. We had never worked with concrete before, and the countertops came out great. This book focuses mainly on making molds in your backyard or garage, pouring the concrete, and then flipping the molds so that you start with a smooth surface. We adapted Cheng's product line and poured our countertops in place so we had no seams. I recommend getting the DVD along with this book because they are both helpful and packed with good information. If you want to pour in place, his other book (Concrete at Home) is really helpful.
Informative but not comprehensive.......2006-07-30
I had the idea that I would make my own very customized concrete countertops, but after reading the book I decided on granite instead.
The book has a stylish and modern look, with beautiful illustrations, though not as many photos of actual countertops as one might think. It contains a fairly detailed description of how to make a countertop using the inverted mold method with sections on making the mold, concrete mixes and additives, surface finishes and sealants. The cast-in-place method is mentioned briefly.
The process is not inexpensive and is extremely labor intensive. When you are done you have a countertop that is high maintenance and subject to scratching and staining. Concrete is intriguing because of the design flexibility it offers, but the material looks more suited to bar tops or other area that are not working surfaces. This book gave me the information to make an informed choice and ultimately saved me a lot of work.
Book Description
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction is the ultimate reference work -- a graphic, step-by-step presentation of basic furniture-construction techniques. Expert woodworker Andy Rae brings organization, enthusiasm, and more than 20 years' experience to this essential book. Readers will acquire a working knowledge of woodworking materials, a higher level of control over their work and tools, and an understanding of basic design principles.
Customer Reviews:
Great as reference or tutorial.......2007-10-04
I don't buy many woodworking books because most, especially the ones sold by home centers, aren't very good. They lack detail, they're incomplete, and I often get the feeling that they're just cranked out without much thought. But this one caught my eye in a local bookstore and I'm glad I bought it.
First of all, the book can be used either as a reference or as a complete primer on woodworking. There's lots of information there, but not so much that you get bogged down. At first I just used it to brush up on specific topics, and then I went back to the first page and started reading it straight through. It's well-written; words are used well and not wasted. Photography is superb. Despite the reference to generic "Furniture" in the title, the book is heavily oriented toward cabinets, which it covers in great detail, even to the point of describing how to construct multi-light glass doors.
The first few pages are a little off-putting as the author describes what he considers an appropriate collection of tools and a space to put them in; unfortunately, many woodworking books assume that the reader has acres of space in which to set up a shop. As you read on, though, the text is more friendly toward the hobbyist.
In short, this is a great woodworking reference or tutorial. Don't be put off by the beginning of the book; it gets better. And the Amazon price for this book is much lower than the $40 I paid in the bookstore.
disappointed.......2007-09-24
I found this book very disappointing. The pictures were very pretty but that is pretty much it. The illustrations were confusing and of little use. It gives too much of an overview and no real specifics. I found woodworking for dummies to be a much better book for the beginning woodworker.
The benchmark book on furniture making.......2007-08-05
It is well known that woodworkers have different styles. I think Andy Ray's style will work for majority people trying to learn woodworking. His writing is clear, and he also presents thoughts in logical way. Thus, the book precisely explain why he does this way but not another.
Great Resource for Beginners.......2007-07-05
I purchased this book because I had the interest to learn more about furniture design and building technique. It's very well written, easy to understand and the quality photos help visualize the instructions of the author. It's a great resource to beginners because of the structure of the book. It starts with basic tools and their use, workshop design, and then moves on to basic wood explanations and building techniques. It also gives you ideas on additional readings if you'd like to research a topic in more detail. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested woodworking by making it a part of your home library.
Great literature for a novice or tradesman.......2007-05-25
This book has plenty to offer anyone. A lot of it was review for me, but it is always good to make sure you don't forget the basics as you move forward in carpentry - it's like trying to attempt calculus without algebra.
I have read this from cover to cover and feel I could read it again to pick up on the little things I missed. It is indeed as it's titled, the "complete" guide. I will say that some basic knowledge will be instrumental for fully grasping and understanding this book, but for the most part, explinations are clear, concise, and simple. There are a few charts in this book that make it very handy and also some very good pointers - some of it is very helpful, but doesnt' seem to be able to adhere to any of my brain cells, so this is one book I like to have close to my shop.
Overall, I'm pleased with this book, and can't wait to read Taunton Press' Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery, which is referred to in this book from time to time.
Book Description
Teaching through hundreds of meticulous drawings, Rob Thallon's guide covers foundations, roofs, building systems and materials, durability, energy efficiency, and more.
Customer Reviews:
A terrific reference book.......2007-10-06
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction (Paperback)
After preparing 8 pages of detailed engineering-size construction drawings for contractors to bid on a two-story addition to our house, I came across this book. Even though I have many years of (mostly remodeling) experience, this book provided lots of great tips on strengthening foundations and walls, flashing, roofing and other areas. Those drawings have now been modified to incorporate what I've learned. Lucky I read this book BEFORE starting the project. Change orders, once construction begins, are costly, since you have little leverage with the contractor at that point.
Materials and techniques used in frame construction have evolved over the years, and the previous (similar) book I had was substantially obsolete. This one cites the latest materials and approaches, as of the year 2000, and is well worth the cost for anyone contemplating a framing job of almost any size. It's doubtful that any contractor knows the best methods to do everything this book explains, not to mention non-contractors. That makes this book a good resource for any experience level. About half of the book's pages have one or more detailed drawings to show you how to do "it" (see customer images for a sample). The spiral binding is particularly helpful in using it on-the-job, or to photo-copy or scan.
The five chapters, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, and stairs, cover virtually every aspect of frame construction, including decks and porches.
The book doesn't cover everything. For example, there is no mention of the APA (Wood Engineering Association), Narrow Wall Bracing Method, an important subject when building sunrooms, or other structure with narrow corner walls or walls between window or door openings. Nevertheless, it's a great reference well worth the price.
Straightforward.......2007-09-23
This is a very easy to follow guide to wood frame construction. I recommend it as a basic reference.
Excellent Resource for Wood Frame Construction.......2007-05-31
This is a wonderful book to have on the reference shelf. It answers so many questions about wood frame construction in a clear manner with great graphic depictions.
Invaluable for Anyone Who Wants to Build.......2007-04-09
I am a beginning amateur builder of outbuildings on my property, and this book is wonderful. Easy to understand, the pictures are very descriptive. It is all I need. I gave a beat-up copy (after ordering another for myself) to a friend who just got his contractor's license and the next day he acted as though I'd given him gold. I recommend getting the spiral bound version - so much easier to use on the job site. This book cannot be rated high enough.
Good graphic presentaion of wood frame construction.......2007-03-17
This book is a good tool for anyone, do-it-yourselfer or not, to grasp how North American homes are put together. An excellent tool to learn the nomenclature of houses and house construction. I missed a discussion of the the reasons for and the pros and cons of the various methods. On the other hand, the lack of text is a strongpoint of this book, at least for those who want to quickly get up to speed on home construction.
Book Description
Everything needed to understand Estimating is provided in this proven handbook, which combines coverage of principles with step-by-step procedures. The authors use the popular approach of tracing a complete project's progress throughout the book. Incorporates the use of computers as a key estimating tool. Includes a WinEstimator CD with each copy of the book; readers will develop good computer-based estimating skills through the use of this powerful software, which also includes practice spreadsheets. Keeps readers up to date on the latest methods and materials. Includes a revised and updated illustration program. Provides complete, book-long case studies for follow-through of both commercial and residential buildings. Examines the interrelationship between contract documents and the quantity take-off of material. The ideal reference for construction managers, architects, and engineers.
Customer Reviews:
The Irony of Estimating..........2007-03-22
Yes this book contains just about every material involved in building a structure and has many formulas to figure out anything you could possibly imagine, from materials to labor. The downfall is in the review questions and exercises dealing with the provided blueprints, which are very vague and difficult to interpret, thus making any of your estimating practice next to useless. There's got to be a better book out there...
Great deal.......2007-02-10
Excellent condition, great price and arrived just in time as promised. Great deal compared with my university's bookstore.
Book Description
Sherri Hunter, author of the best-selling Creating with Concrete, proves once again that concrete isn't just for sidewalks anymore; it's perfect for the garden too. A selection of 30 beautiful designs suggests the range of this increasingly popular material, and the illustrated instructions make the craft's fundamentals easy to learn. Because the simplest projects come first, beginners can work their way through the book progressively, building on their skills. Novices will have fun making the carved trough, sandcast bowl, and elegant relief panel. More sophisticated projects, including a decorative walkway and polished table, come next, and they'll bring charm to any outdoor space. More adventurous artists can unleash their creativity on a "Garden Guardian" sculpture or water feature. A Selection of the Crafters Choice and Homestyle Book Clubs.
Customer Reviews:
OK.......2007-09-21
Check it out from your local library first - not one I'd add to my permanent collection
Creative Concrete Ornaments for the Garden.......2007-08-25
Super book with detailed information on creation from beginning to end! Super for beginners and seasoned artists.
Thorough, informative and with a gammot of projects.......2007-08-24
I really enjoyed this book. It is detailed and the projects are vastly different from one another. What I also appreciated is the emphasis on doing things right, such as waiting for the concrete to set for 24 days is an example on an item. More emphasis on the internal structure using wire, rebar, etc. I would highly recommend this book and I am anxious to put into use what it taught me.
Fun Projects.......2007-07-03
This a great idea book. Many fun and interesting projects. Directions and supplies needed are well explained.
Excellent book.......2007-04-07
The author is very thorough on this subject and provides extensive desciptions of concrete ornament projects and concrete mixes. The only frustration I had was that in most examples a picture of the completed project was not included until the final chapter. It would have been more helpful after the description of 'how to' make the project. I think most would find this book extremely helpful by taking you from start to finished project.
Amazon.com
When describing a favorite room in the house, do you find yourself using terms such as "expansive," "formal," and "spacious"--a marble foyer or a formal dining room perhaps? Or do the words "cozy," "intimate," and "warm" come to mind--a cheery little breakfast nook or a window seat complete with plenty of pillows and a breathtaking view? More than likely, you--like thousands of other homeowners--are drawn to the more personal spaces in your home, where comfort, beauty, and efficiency meet. In The Not So Big House, respected architect Sarah Susanka and coauthor Kira Obolensky address our affinity for the "smaller, more personal spaces" and propose "clear, workable guidelines for creating homes that serve both our spiritual needs and our material requirements." The heart of the not-so-big house--which is not "just a small house ... [but] a smaller house," that uses "less space to give greater quality of life," and is designed to not only "accommodate the lifestyles of its occupants" but also to express "our values and our personalities," is discussed in chapter 1, entitled "Bigger Isn't Better." Susanka's urging for homeowners to get creative with their space as well as loads of ideas to encourage that creativity are covered in "Rethinking the House" and "Making Not So Big Work." Discussions of specific needs, such as a home for one and designing for kids, can be found in "Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous," while "Dreams, Details, and Dollars" gets down to the nuts and bolts of the operation, looking at quality versus quantity, budgeting, and what "low end," "middle ground," and "high end" really mean in home design and construction. Lastly, the authors look at the home of the future, which involves simplifying, recycling, reducing waste, and using energy-efficient construction. With more than 200 color photographs, as well as floor plans and Susanka and Obolensky's intelligent and lively dialogue, The Not So Big House is perfect for homeowners ready to rethink their space. --Stefanie Hargreaves
Book Description
Sarah Susanka contends that people are naturally drawn to intimate spaces. Large structures inspired by outdated patterns tend to result in houses that just don't work. In The Not So Big House, she proposes clear guidelines for creating homes that serve spiritual needs as well as material requirements. Topics covered include designing for specific lifestyles, budgeting, building a home from scratch, and using energy-efficient construction. With more than 200 color photographs as well as floor plans, the book is perfect for homeowners ready to rethink their space. “Susanka says to evaluate what makes you feel at home and let your activities define your rooms.” — San Francisco Chronicle
Customer Reviews:
Great concepts, middling design.......2007-09-25
I've found this book to be an invaluable resource and appreciate the philosophy and information contained within it. I also found the numerous photos and illustrations to be helpful to convey Susanka's ideas.
The only problem is that I found the actual design and decor of the homes in the book somehow dated and uninspiring. This is definitely a personal reaction, and I'm sure others would disagree. Despite my issues with the actual look of the homes, I'd recommend this as an essential resource along with John Wheatman's books (whose design does resonate for me).
Inspiration & ideas for rethinking your living space.......2007-09-02
The ideas in this book encourage you to think about how you would like use your home space and how to accomplish this marriage of functionality with comfort and aesthetics. Almost every photo has some new little idea to think about. It gives me hope that I'll finally be able to create a comfortable home that integrates everyone's interests & needs. It's inspirational for those of us who have to adapt living spaces to growing families & to those like me who are now empty nesters (but who still need bed space for visiting family members).
A must Have If You Plan To Build.......2007-06-27
Useful, practical, creative. Anyone can gain something from this book even if you aren't building.
Reviewed by Amy Lignor.......2007-06-21
Have you ever found yourself asking, "Is this all there is to life?" We are running in a world of cell phone and blackberry technology, where life is so fast that we never have time to do what we truly want: sit back and enjoy our lives while we have one. This author, with a background in architecture, has put together a fantastic psychological blueprint, if you will, to make changes that will offer you a more rewarding life. This is not like the usual "schlock" that says close your eyes and all good things will come. No, this author takes the time to reveal that things like form and function are not only useful in building a house, they can be translated into building a better life. In a house, you can tear down interior walls to make more space and bring in more light; in your life, you can tear down your fears and open new possibilities.
This is a lovely read filled with wise advice. The author has successfully interwoven her extensive architectural background into well-compiled thoughts on how each and every one of us can make small changes in our lives that will allow us to treasure the time we have.
My advice? If you wish to begin taking time out to enjoy your life - begin by reading this book.
Insightful book with great ideas.......2007-05-26
I was starting to think I was crazy for wanting to build a small house, but this book perfectly articulates the thoughts I was having so much conveying. It is a wonderful basis for discussion and offers many practical, well thought out ideas for implementation.
Book Description
From the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia and Quitandinha in Brazil to her important fabrics for F. Schumacher & Co. and her automobile and airplane interiors of the 1950s, Draper continues to influence designers today.
Customer Reviews:
Dorothy Draper: an inspiration to her field! .......2007-10-12
As one of the previous commentators stated, this book is a wonderful book in terms of historical significance to the Decorating/Interior Design field, but this book is certainly not a "how to" book on decorating. Therefore, if you are looking for a basic "how to decorate" book, then this book may not be a way to go.
HOWEVER......
If a person is buying this book as an historical reference book to their home decorating (or interior design) library, then this book would be a wonderful addition.
For example, if I were a person majoring in a form of home decorating field, then this book would be of tremendous value. WHY?...because so many ideas that Dorothy Draper implemented are still being used today or still inspiring home decorators today!! (eg: if you were to look at Jonathan Adler's current design concepts, you will see alot of Dorothy Draper's influence in Jonathan's work). Thus, Dorothy Draper's influence to the home decorating field is truly immesurable.
This hardback book is large in size.The photos are amazing. Most are in black-and-white since that is how the photos were orignally taken. But still,....the author describes the colors that would have been used in the book's B&W photos, and THAT helps the reader so much! I could certainly visualize what the B&W photos would be like in color, thanks to Carlton's wonderful descriptions.
The Height of Glamour.......2007-07-12
When High STYLE was "in-style" Dorothy Draper was the queen of design... Every page reflects her understanding of space, light and perfection!!! This isa great read for the design professional as well as the casual reader. Her life story and her work are inseperable - she loved beautiful things and had an un-erring eye for the dramatic. "In the Pink: Dorothy Draper --America's Most Fabulous Decorator" is a visual treat as much as it is a fun read! As an iterior designer I see her design principles are as easily applied today as it was in the age of glamour. I would give it a 5!!! all across the board.
The gorgeous terror of excess, or "How I was blinded with ornament".......2007-06-01
While Kelly Wearstler was still in the womb, Dorothy Draper was jetsetting the style world in a solid gold Deusenburg that was fueled exclusively on Chanel no. 5. Her contribution to the interiors and custom fabricated furnitures and fixtures has forever seared a scar into the homes of hollywood and beyond. Liberace himself would be sent into a seizure over Dorothy's hallucinagenic oppulence and fearless approach to her indulgent, decorative torture chambers. Get this book and blow your mind.
Absolutely gorgeous book.......2007-04-06
It took a while for me to finally decide to drop that kind of coin on a book, but its absolutely gorgeous and worth the price. Very cool to page through and see her imprint on decorating and design through the 30's up to now. You page through a Domino magazine and see a cool black and white modern print on a white french chair and think 'wow' and then you page through the book and see that she was doing it in the 40's. Just makes me wish I had my own chandelier fabricator and my own master plasterer as those seem to be her tricks of the trade. Beautifully put together and one of the few decorating books I actually wanted to READ every word and not just page through for the pretty pics.
As History & Biography: Bravo! As Design Inspiration: Blah!.......2007-04-02
I bought this book for my wife, who is an artist and color consultant, because I thought she'd enjoy seeing an iconic designer known for her bold use of color and thematic environments -- especially done on a grand scale. And, yes, you will find page after page after page of grand ballrooms, hotel lobbies, mansion-size dining rooms, and so on here.
80% of them, unfortunately, are photographed in black & white. So much for the bold use of color.
There are two great color photos -- pages 161 and 207 -- that show off Draper's lush, vibrant style. But the rest of the book is either slightly out of focus color photos, color illustrations and old ads, or black & white photos. It's just sad in how it under-represents Dorothy Draper.
"But be fair," you say. "Dorothy Draper's peak took place before the advent of color photography." That's fine. But this book is a perfect example of the rare publishing project that truly is BEGGING for Photoshop colorization. On page 53, for example, the text refers to a House & Garden magazine article which declared one of Draper's most visible design projects, Hampshire House, to be "a gold mine of decorating ideas, particularly in color." And yet all four photos on that spread are in black & white, as are the spreads before and after it. A very good Photoshop artist -- and several do perfect, true-to-life work -- could give those old black & white shots the vivid, vibrant colors that would represent Dorothy Draper properly and accurately without changing Draper's style one iota.
As I say in my title, as a history (of the advent of superstar designers) and a biography (of Draper), this is a very good book that should not be overlooked. But how can you do a history of bold interior design, or a biography of a top interior designer, without SHOWING the vivacious use of color which was central to both? That's like doing a bio of Abe Lincoln without including the Gettysburg Address.
So is this worth seeing? Definitely. Worth buying used? Probably. Worth buying new? Only if you're rich.
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- Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition
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- Provencal Interiors: French Country Style in America
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Books Index
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