Decorating Master Class (Hardcover)

~ Ellie Cullman (Author), Tracey Winn Pruzan (Author), Durston Saylor (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ellie Cullman is a founding partner of Cullman & Kravis, a prestigious decorating firm in New York City. She has been recognized for her work by Architectural Digest, which has featured many of her firm’s designs, and she lectures widely on the subject of interior design. She lives in New York City.

Tracey Winn Pruzan is an interior designer with Cullman & Kravis; she is also a writer who has published widely on the subject of interior design. She lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Abrams (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810993902
• ISBN-13: 978-0810993907
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28,326 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #56 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > Reference
  #58 in	Books > Home & Garden > Interior Design > Decorating
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For the pros, by the pros, April 10, 2008

By	Devorah (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

The concept of a "Master Class" is a course taught by a top, often world-renowned, professional in a field, to graduate-level students of the highest caliber. When you really understand what a master class is, you get a better sense of the proper audience for this wonderful book showcasing the work of Cullman & Kravis. BUT be prepared -- while the authors may have intended this as a book for the layman, it's for a more precise niche, either the very knowledgeable amateur, or the young professional hoping to work in ultra-high-end interior design.

I would recommend it highly to someone just starting out in the design world, or someone who wants a better understanding of the options available to those with the checkbook to get anything they want. If, for example, you're planning a major interior design project and intend to work with a designer, this is a great primer on the process and details. It'll likely make you a far more informed client for the designer you'll ultimately choose.

It is emphatically not, however, for the DIY reader. The authors assume that you'll be working with professionals, and present options accordingly. The guidelines in such areas as upholstery & trim, lighting, and flooring are invaluable, but such detail is for those who really want it. Your reaction may be, "Okay, that's more than I wanted to know." They also assume such luxuries as custom cabinetry, custom-colored rugs and upholstery, custom embroidery -- basically, an entirely custom environment. This is, after all, what Cullman & Kravis does so beautifully, but it may not be of help to a reader looking for guidance in the real world.

Such books by top designers are the "in" thing lately -- note Jeffrey Bilhuber's Design Basics: Expert Solutions for Designing the House of Your Dreams, Mariette Himes Gomez's Rooms: Creating Luxurious, Livable Spaces, Rose Tarlow's The Private House, Bunny Williams' Point of View: Three Decades of Decorating Elegant and Comfortable Houses, Michael S. Smith: Elements of Style, etc. They cover the length and breadth of interior design today, and they vary widely in their approach. "Decorating Master Class" is for those who want only the finest, and the authors assume their readers have the wherewithal to achieve it.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get this book - You CAN Do This, September 23, 2008

By	J. Languille "Curled Up w/a Book" (Whidbey Island, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I decided to weigh in on this book because 1) I feel so strongly about it and 2) Because of the disparity of opinion regarding whether this book can be used by amateurs, or is simply for professionals only.

I am a homeowner, with a limited budget, in the midst of a new home construction. I saw this book recommended in an issue of architectural digest as really forthcoming about the how-tos of decorating, not just pictures to drool over. I bought the book immediately and I love it. I can't tell you how valuable this book has been. I learned SO much.

I read it through cover to cover, then reviewed every picture again to assess the details, the use of symmetry, asymmetry, patterns, textures, trims, recurring themes and color schemes. It was incredibly informative, useful and inspiring. It completely prepared me to choose the surfaces in my home. It was useful for planning design details, such as how high the mantel should be and the appropriate distance between furniture pieces and how to achieve layers of light.

I have even purchased some of the resource material listed to further educate myself about antique rugs and furniture.

This book is for everybody. It's gorgeous and incredibly helpful.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A textbook for amateur designers, September 28, 2008

By	I. Kadagidze "crazyaboutbooks" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a book that should be read by anyone who is interested in design or just wants to decorate/redecorate their house. The book gives advice on decorating every room of the house in all detail, including sizes and measurements. The book is also lavishly illustrated with wonderful photos.
You want to start decorating straight after you finish reading!