Customer Reviews

Country and Modern: Contemporary Interiors for Rural Settings

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

 

 

Hall has written a unique and important book. Simplicity goes hand-in-hand with country living, but country houses have traditionally been cluttered with fat, cushy furniture and needless bricabrac. Hall cuts the fat, and gives the "new class" - telecommuters, urban escapees - something better to shoot for. The result is a style that is beautiful, calming, meditative, and functional.

This has to be the best book of its kind currently on the market. The author has a superb sense of style, and has produced something that will stand the test of time.

i find this book to not only be a beautiful, but also a very inspirational book. i have read this book countless times, and every time i scan through it, i find something new... or it gives me new ideas... i think this is a great book for someone who knows what they like and are looking for inspiration and new ideas. I really love this book....

Shabby Chic is the antithesis of modernism and this book tries (but fails) to bring the two styles together. The text is sparse and the photos are in some cases too small and lack significance to the overall concept of the book. The contrast of modernism versus country style was just too obvious in my opinion. The subtle minimalist styling of many rooms was bowled over by the rustic colors and textures. The combination makes the rooms uncomfortable to both modernists and traditionalist alike. If you want an inspiring decor book, try "White Hot" by Tricia Guild. It explores many of the same ideas through color, texture and nature. As for "Country and Modern", I returned it.

"Country and Modern" has some stunning photos in it and some rather heavy-handed philosophy about the responsibility of connecting with your environs via design, etc. If you're designing a home in a non-urban setting and want to do a lot of thinking about these connections, it might be useful.

Many photos emphasizing the "benign neglect" design principle -- so if you're up for trying to pull off an interior using weathered siding, a plain worn chair, and an apple, you may find some inspiration here.