Do you have any favorite decorating books?

15 years ago

I really need some inspiration on how to decorate my house, so I'd like to know if you have any favorite decorating books with lots of pictures. That's how I decorated my bedroom. I found a picture I loved and tried to recreate some of the things in the room and then added my own touches. I was looking at Amazon and so many of them sound good, but who knows if they really are. Here's some of the ones I put on my "wish" list, so I'd love to know if any of you have these:

New Decorating Book (Better Homes & Gardens Decorating

Can't Fail Room Makeovers by Lucianna Samu

Before and After Decorating (Better Homes & Gardens Decorating

My style (I think) leans towards French/English Country. I don't want over-the-top French Country though. What style would you call the rooms in Ballard Designs? I like that also whatever it is.

Laurie

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Comments (11)

mitchdesj
15 years ago
check out this september thread on the same topic, there are some fantastic suggestions on it.
I call the rooms in Ballard design very french country themed.

Here is a link that might be useful: favorite decor books
msrose
Original Author
15 years ago
Gosh, how did I miss that. Thanks, mitchdesj!

Laurie
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mitchdesj
15 years ago
Threads come and go, it's easy to miss one; since I love decorating books,
I remembered it quite clearly !!
teacats
15 years ago
O.K. here we go:

1) "The Finest Rooms: by American Decorators" edited by Katherine Tweed. This is an old book -- but truly worth the effort to find it! Beautiful rooms -- and lots to learn!

2)"House Beautiful: The HOME book: Creating a Beautiful home of Your Own" Carol Spier. This book has SO much information and ideas! Yes. Go Buy It!

3)"Barry Dixon Interiors" Brian D. Coleman. Wonderful coloring and placement ideas. My favorite fireplace EVER is on page 123. Favorite kitchen EVER -- page 38-39.

4)"Alexa Hampton: The Language of Interior Design" Alexa Hampton. Love the dining room on page 203.

5)"Bunny William's Scrapbook for Living" and "An Affair with A House" both books by Bunny Williams. Love them to bits!

6)"At Home: A Style for Today with Things from the Past" Suzanne Rheinstein. Gorgeous photos of her own homes and her portfolio. Wow!

7)"Chris Madden: The Soul of a House" Describes her two homes -- and features a lot of her own furniture designs. Lots of good ideas. Wish she had featured more of her portfolio.

8)"Suzanne Kasler: Inspired Interiors" Suzanne Kasler. Gorgeous. and wonderful ideas for wall decor placement.

And there are more in the bookshelves .....

Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Sueb20
15 years ago
I totally agree with #2 above.

A lot of the books I have are specific to certain decorating styles, and I don't really have any pertaining to French country. For general books, I like the Domino decorating book that came out a while back. I have a book, um, can't remember the name, by Mariette Himes Gomez that I like. I love Sarah Susanka's books. To be honest, I get a lot more use from my files of pages pulled from various decorating/shelter magazines. I have files on everything from wall art to entries to color to kitchens, bedrooms, etc...
msrose
Original Author
15 years ago
Wow, thanks, teacats. I'm printing the list!

sueb2 - I kind of wondered about buying books. I hate to spend alot of money for a book and just see one or two things I like. I also keep a file of pages, but I guess I'm getting desparate for some more inspiration. I sure wish my library had a better selection.

Laurie
Oakley
15 years ago
Ironically, because I did the topic yesterday about my kitchen, my favorite book at the moment which I need to study again is "Country Livings 500 Kitchen Ideas." lol.

It's not that rustic country either. I just got the book out again today to go over it.

I also have the House Beautiful book, and I highly recommend it.
msrose
Original Author
15 years ago
oakleyok - I don't have many decorating books, but I do have 500 Kitchen Ideas. I actually had forgotten about it until you mentioned it, so I'll have to get it out and see I come up with any decorating ideas for my kitchen.

Laurie
Jamie
15 years ago
Msrose I just went to my library's website and placed a hold request for the House Beautiful book. I get books from all over that way. They just email me when it comes in from whereever.
sayde
15 years ago
Oh my yes:

The Private House by Rose Tarlow
Style by John Saladino
Timeless Interiors by Axel Vervoordt
The Home Within Us by Bobby McAlpine

These are great inspiration books. The 500 ideas was very useful for the kitchen. The Farrow & Ball book on color was helpful too. The New Bungalow Kitchen, because we're restoring a kitchen in a 1927 house. I also love Bunny Williams book about her Connecticut house.
Oakley
15 years ago
Msrose, don't you just love that book? Years ago I subscribed to CL mag, and it got way too rustic for me and I gave it up. Now their decorating style is a lot better, and I think they give good ideas for all the different styles in decorating.

Their website is also good for inspiration pictures.