Customer Reviews

Amy Butler's Midwest Modern: A Fresh Design Spirit for the Modern Lifestyle

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you're expecting projects that you can create from instructions in this book, you'll be disappointed. The few projects that are included are as interesting as it would be to sew two bandanas together to create a pillow cover.

----Vibrantly illustrated, the book underscores design's practical side, with information on budgeting money and time, a shopping resources list, and "how-to" projects in every chapter.-----
Yeah, right.There are two minor projects - an envelope cushion cover and something equally forgettable. That's it. I am really feeling ripped of. Yes, it is a pretty book. Otherwise it would have had one star! But a lot of it is merchandising for her patterns and fabrics. PAges upon pages of pictures of her bags, clothes made from her fabrics, soft furnishings made from her fabrics.....
So, if you are a big Amy Butler groupie, this is your bible. If not, ignore the editorial on top - it's totally cockeyed.

Unlike some of the other reviewers, I understood the book's intent by the description. It's a LIFESTYLE book - there are not many patterns to copy (buy Amy Butlers IN STITCHES, if that's what you are looking for) - but there is plenty of eye candy. I expected more personal fashion (less home decor) based on the cover - as one of her patterns take center stage - but there is much more home decor/style than you could hope for. The studio & decor pictures are great. Lots of great ideas - completely adaptable without using her fabrics - - - Note, you will be hit over the head with Amy's fabrics - so yes, it is a bit of self-promotion going on, but that's just what I would expect. Great book! Lots of ideas!

This is not a how-to book! If you accept that it's a beautiful, inspirational, coffeetable book, you can appreciate the large format with its lush photography and Amy's thoughtful tips and observations on what influences her life and work. Midwest Modern is great!!!

An inspiring book I find myself referencing again and again. Beautiful photos and written from the heart, every time I flip through the pages I notice something new. If you are looking for a fresh perspective and inspiration for your home, I highly recommend this book!

Exactly what I hoped for and more. I'm a designer and love to find new inspiration. Amy Butler's style is refreshing and fun. The book is beautifully designed. A great gift for the creatives in your life!

Amy Butler's quote (love what you love, and don't apologize for it) sums up her gorgeous style book. The photography is beautiful and the feeling of the book is at once modern and fun, flirty and sweet. There are lots of decorating ideas in the book, and if you are already a seamstress, you'll get lots of ideas for your own projects. This isn't a project book, however, and doesn't include patterns. For patterns, there's her "Feather Your Nest" patterns and her two big books of patterns, Stitches, and Little Stitches, both of which I recommend.

Something fresh and exciting for the design world finally. Ignore the "posted" reviews. They're people who expected another project book. A great, honest inspiration book is what you'll get here.

Beautiful pictures but text is totally worthless. It is like a lifestyle sketch that you might read in Country Living. Artists living at ease combining work and home and doing it with style. Blah! Totally unrelatable material. Midwest Modern apparently only comes in Amy Butler's fabric designs which she is more than happy to recommend. The last section on relaxing at the lake surrounded by her fabrics was a bit much. It was almost a chapter from another book that was tacked on to increase the number of pages. Amy Butler fans will love it but I was looking for something more than a self-indulgent artist profile.

If you have a "vintage-chic" aesthetic, this is the book for you! I am consumed with interior design and love mixing new and old for an interesting, eclectic look. I became interested in Amy Butler after purchasing "Found Style" which is an earlier book put together by Amy and her husband with many ideas of how to mix up interiors with flea market finds. Amy Butler's Midwest Modern is filled with pictures of Amy's current home and shows how she successfully complements each room with new pieces, old pieces and fabrics she designs. A small portion of the book is a portfolio of her textile designs which she uses generously in her home for pillows and upholstery. I find myself referring to this book often for inspiration.