Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design: Fearless, Fabulous Decorating [Paperback]

Christopher Lowell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 8, 2005

“If you can put together an outfit, you’re already overqualified to decorate a room,” believes Emmy Award–winning Christopher Lowell. Now he’s back with his proven Seven Layers of Design system to bring readers a lively blend of design theory and hands-on advice for fearless, fabulous decorating.

Christopher Lowell’s Seven Layers of Design solves decorating dilemmas by encouraging readers to look at a room piece by piece, layer by layer, from the floor up. With his humor, wit, and charm, Lowell breaks down the Seven Layers of Design to lay the groundwork for simple, yet stunning, home design.

Each chapter of Christopher Lowell’s Seven Layers of Design walks you through room makeovers with easy step-by-step projects; dramatic before, during, and after photographs; and useful sidebars that make decorating simple, fun, and rewarding.

•Learn why you should never paint a ceiling white.

•Create fabulous fakes using paint and plywood.

•Increase the value of your home with architectural detail.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"If you can put together an outfit, you're already overqualified to decorate a room," believes Emmy Award-winning Christopher Lowell. Now, the most popular and colorful personality on the Discovery Channel brings his proven Seven Layers of Design system to readers in a lively blend of design theory and hands-on advice for do-it-yourself projects. In this book, as on his program, Lowell brings his humor, wit, and charm to a host of decorating projects and ideas, making them simple, fun, and rewarding.

Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design solves decorating dilemmas by encouraging you to look at a room piece by piece, layer by layer, from the floor up. By following this process, home decorators can avoid costly disappointments and learn inexpensive tricks for changing the personality of a room. With his colorful presentation of the Seven Layers (Paint & Architecture, Installed Flooring, Upholstered Furniture, Accent Fabrics, Non-upholstered Furniture, Accessories, and Plants & Lighting), Lowell lays the groundwork for simple yet stunning home design. He demonstrates how color is the foundation of a room, why decorating a room around a favorite upholstery fabric is a recipe for disaster, how to create fabulous fakes using paint and plywood, why you should never paint a ceiling white, and how to deal with an interior designer.

Each chapter of Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design walks you through room makeovers with dramatic before, during, and after photos, and solves a variety of design problems. In "Even the Kitchen Sink," Lowell works his magic within the constraints of existing walls and appliances, countertops, and cabinets. "Home Office Haven" demonstrates how to create an efficient home office and still welcome houseguests. "Living Large" helps you to reduce clutter by making use of space you never knew you had. "Dining Room Drama" shows how to bring romance into any room of the house. There are also plenty of tips, secrets, and shortcuts to tackling a stylish Deco bathroom mirror, faux-finished kitchen cabinets, a chic chaise lounge made from plywood, and more. Best of all, most of these projects can be completed for under $100. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Christopher Lowell is the host of It’s Christopher Lowell, which airs in prime time on Discovery Home. On his show, Christopher brings his practical experience and creative talent to people looking for problem-solving ideas. He has an expanding line of linens and tableware at Burlington Coat Factory, furniture with Flexsteel and Office Depot, lighting with Catalina, window coverings with 3 Day Blinds, and his own line of paints. Christopher Lowell is also the author of Christopher Lowell’s If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It!; Christopher Lowell’s You Can Do It! Small Spaces; and Christopher Lowell, the Hassle-Free Host.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter (March 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400082706
• ISBN-13: 978-1400082704
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

100 of 102 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Help for the decorating dazed and confused, June 19, 2001

By 

Movie Maven "julierb" (Duvall, WA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design: Fearless, Fabulous Decorating (Hardcover)

I enjoy Christopher Lowell's television show, and found his book equally terrific! The advice about interviewing and working with an interior decorator is worth the cost of the book by itself. The projects are challenging but definitely add to your home's look without putting you in the poorhouse. The best thing about Christopher Lowell? He starts with *paint*. Paint is cheap, and can simply be painted over without incurring thousands in re-dos and "buying mistakes." Paint also makes a huge impact, and you don't have to change furniture or buy expensive accessories.

It's not brain surgery, but home decorating can reduce the most self-assured woman to a tearful wreck. This book can either be followed to the letter or used as a springboard to other decorating books and magazines. Christopher's breezy writing style and easily understood explanations make the most fearful home decorator ready to finally pick up that paintbrush and get busy!

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's FULL of wonderful tips and ideas!, October 6, 2000

By 

Caroline P. Hampton (Columbus, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design: Fearless, Fabulous Decorating (Hardcover)

Decorating Man, Christopher Lowell has hit a home-run with his new book, "7 Layers of Design: Fearless, Fabulous Decorating." This "how-to" decorating book is full of wonderful photography (before, during and after a project) and great ideas for any room in a house. He covers all the basis with style, spark and creativity. I found his style to be very modern (but, not too modern. I.E. silver, and black lacquer) hip and full of spaces that everyone would LOVE. His work is simple but, still very impressive. I really think that the "average" person could re-create many of the elements that Lowell introduces. I found myself really drawn to his color choices, design elements, and creative touch. It's a great book for someone looking to add a lot of spark and polish to a room. Great resource!

46 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christopher is AMAZING and so is his book!, September 13, 2000

By 

E. Traverzo (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design: Fearless, Fabulous Decorating (Hardcover)

Of course we all love Christopher, but I'm not praising his book just because I think he's fabulous. His book provides us with hands-on material we can read and re-read until we completely understand. The book explains each of the 7 layers of design and makes it sooooo simple to decorate an entire room. He also has instructions for projects and they're so easy to understand. You'll love the chaise lounge in the back! The book is written the way christopher talks. It's fun, and easy to understand. He even gives you a list of basics to have in your "tool box"! If you're planning on re-decorating a room this book is essential!