Customer Reviews

Decorating Details: Projects and Ideas for a More Comfortable, More Beautiful Home

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm in the process of simplifying and optimizing my home's living quarters. I have to admit that I get depressed after looking at other decorating books - for instance, where rooms have dreamy coordinating wallpaper, border, paint & fabrics. This is a decorating book that doesn't stress me out wishing I had a particular piece of furniture or a million dollars. It's the projects themselves that remind you don't need to have to go and buy expensive things around the world. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can pick up items from the local home or fabric warehouse and keep it simple. I'd like to make the folding screen (p. 98) from lightweight boards, hinges and casters. I may cover them with fabric instead of paint. But I'll probably start with the linen pillowcases (p. 130) simply because I've got the materials for it. Notice that all the rooms are quite simple. The living room has a couch, a couple of chairs, some nesting tables. period. The projects are "light bulbs" that go on and make us remark: "why didn't I think of that?" OR: "that's what I am aiming for."

This book is a compilation of projects from the magazine and TV show. The pictures are very nice and the projects could produce some beautiful results. But if you are looking for quick decorating ideas, then this book isn't for you. There are some simple projects here, but many of them are complicated.

One pro is the lengthy source information (including prices) which is organized by page number. However many of the "companies" are listed more than once and only the first listing gives the address and phone. Subsequent listings have the words "see above" written after the company name. How inconvenient to thumb through six pages of small print for a phone number! Adding an alphabetical listing of all sources seems like a no-brainer.

One more thing while you are thumbing through the source guide - notice that the sofa on page 18 can be had for a mere $8,870. If you want to spend that much money for something to sit on, why not pay somebody to make your lampshades for you?

This book is the follow-on to "How to Decorate," Martha's first book. This book concentrates on the small details: how to display pictures, how to arrange your collections, and so on. The introductory chapter on how to display pictures and photographs is particularly good, giving ideas (complete with beautiful photographs) on how to display pictures and explaining principles such as where to place pictures, how to arrange them, and why certain arrangements of pictures work in certain places and not others.

The book emphasizes Martha's trademark, which is finding inexpensive but beautiful pieces at garage sales, refinishing them, and adapting them to new uses. Many of the ideas she presents, such as refinishing an old footstool and turning it into a stereo stand, are practical and attractive.

It would only be fair to say at the outset that this is not so much a review as it is a caution. If you regularly read Martha Stewart, or even watch her, you'll find this book, like her other book "Great Parties", simply a regurgitation of the things her staff have put together for her magazines or shows over the years. If you, like me, have already spent enormous amounts of money on all her previous magazines, this book will leave you feeling, well, cheated. It would be a lot cheaper for you to go through your old Martha Stewart Living magazines, cut out everything you like, and compile them into one big collection. I've come to the conclusion that that's what these books of hers are about.

In the long line of excellently crafted books, Decorating Details qualifies as very useful, quality speaks highly for Martha. Detailed photos on top quality paper, have become a mainstay with her books. The book covers pictures, tables & stools, lamps & shades, shelves, screens & mirrors, and pillows & throws. Each section has detailed instructions, for making in making lamp shades there are detailed photos, as well as, written instructions for drafting, decorating, and making a lamp shade. Decorating Details give simple and easy ideas for decorating any space.

I really like this book. The pictures are beautiful, and the projects are mostly down-to-earth. Anyone could make the lampshades or pillow covers from the instructions she gives. I thought the shelving and picture-hanging sections were particularly helpful.

This is a great book for people who want to give thier house more style without hiring a costly decorator. The secret to great decorating is in the details; wall-hangings, pillows, lamps, mirrors, pictures, etc. Something as small as a throw pillow can breathe new life onto a dusty old sofa. Readers can also draw from the beautiful display rooms pictured in the book, where each page is filled with inspiration. Even if only for getting ideas about what you want for your space, this is a great book to check out.

I read through this book once and actually threw it out. A Martha Stewart fan I was disappointed in this one. The ideas are a little too basic - I would recommend something a little more fun.

I really enjoyed some of the easier projects in this book. It gave me tasteful ideas for my new apartment without having to spend a lot of money. The book explained how to redecorate your home with an added twist.

This book is very typical Martha, if you like her style you;ll like this book. I do think some of the craft stuff would be easier and cheaper to buy than make but I think you always have to remember above all it's an idea book. And yes, a lot of Martha's stuff tends to be expensive but you can achieve that look if you buy (I borrow from the library) some of her books and take them with you when you're shopping! Anyone can duplicate some of the most expensive rooms and furniture as long as you put in the time to research and shop around and have a clear picture of what you're looking. I'm the kind of person who likes so many styles (from modern to country) I use Martha's books to help me streamline my ideas and create a cohesive room.