Customer Reviews

Designing Women: Interiors By Leading Style-Makers

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

When it comes to design books, the bridge between aspirational and practical is hard to cross because it usually doesn't exist. This book not only showcases great ideas, but sources them. It is inspirational (especially for women) in that you feel empowered to create a room of your own. It is beautifully photographed and well-written; each brilliant corner seems attainable. I loved the sources in the back, which lead readers on a variety of paths. Unlike other design books, this is luscious and useful at the same time. I highly recommend Margaret Russell's interpretation and explanation of how modern women live.

Beautifully writted, and not all Interior design books are, clearly laid out, great graphics. This information is not boring! Great advice from each featured woman,and informative pictures. Don't miss the Pottery Barn designer's house. What she has done with their products will interest anyone who shops in the store.(P.95-her use of PB picture frames on a wall is fantastic.) Charlotte Moss' stuff shows a great color sense. Victoria Hagan- really, there isn't a dud in the bunch. I love it and I can't imagine that anyone wouldn't!!

Margaret Russell hs taken her exceptional work at Elle Decor to a new height. This book does not disappoint. The book is beautifully designed, elequently written and a great resource (for both men and women!). I am in the process of decorating a home and I refer to this book all the time. There is great breadth in the styles that Ms. Russell covers - something for everyone. Brava!

i love design books, but truthfully, some are way too far out there for my tastes - and then some are ho-hum and uninformative. this is a really, really great book - not only are the designers extremely interesting individuals - but their personal tastes are actually out there for the taking. i might not have loved each of their homes - but i loved the fact that THEY loved them! also great about this book - and maybe my favorite part (aside from the TERRIFIC photos - wow) are the super great hints each designer gives at the end of her segment - they are actual USEABLE and DOABLE!

In a crowded field of interior design books, Designing Women stands out. Inspirational, informative and entertaining, Margaret Russell shows why she is considered the top interiors editor in the industry. Every weekend my wife and I add new design elements and decoration to our home all inspired by Ms. Russell and her book. I highly recommend Designing Women to anyone interested in interior design or just looking for the perfect gift.

In addition to being a useful summary of current design trends,this book is simply one of the most beautiful interior design volumes produced in years.

We compliment Margaret Russell for her good taste and her clear, presentation, refreshingly uncluttered by hyperbole.

It's a lovely idea to have a book honouring women designers. However, in late 2007 their homes look dated. Recommended if you want to read about successful women; no longer recommended if you want photos of fresh design ideas.

The designers showcased have marvelous taste, but there is nothing here that was impressive. The book is beautifully photographed, but that's about it. My suggestion-Wait until it's on clearance or borrow it from the library. C+

As someone who was looking for exciting new design and especially from a woman's perspective, I was not wowed by this book. Instead I got good pictures but little depth. I can pick up any magazine today and see the same thing. Not very interesting or inspiring.

Lovely to look at, lovely to hold.... but that is about it! Whereas the photographs are masterful, there is little beyond the pictures, not even a rudimentary, cursory, or trifling insight or inspiration. One does expect something after all from a living room tome. It is truly the book that doesn't even begin to give. I am glad I purchased this book used as I would have felt used and abused to have paid full price for this creativity bypass and abyss.