Ethnic Interiors [Hardcover]

Dinah Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1992

This text explores in depth the virtually unlimited opportunities for decorating the home with the warmth and vibrancy of patterns, colors, and materials from different cultures around the world. The ethnic look of Japan, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe is covered in this rich collection. Includes a directory of sources for furnishings, crafts, and folk arts. 300 color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Part of an unofficial series, this title lives up to Rizzoli's reputation of publishing visually stunning books that enhance the art of living. It uses both text and photographs to demonstrate the techniques needed to create the feel of a particular ethnic style. In creating these interiors, machine-made items are spurned in favor of folk art and interior design accessories that look handmade. A directory of suppliers is included, but the book will work best for world travelers who want to integrate their souvenirs into a cohesive design style. The inclusion of many ethnic styles popular with contemporary designers makes this book a wise purchase even for small collections.
- Gayle A. Williamson, Fashion Inst. of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli; 1ST edition (September 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847815757
• ISBN-13: 978-0847815753
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #887,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeous and inspiring design book., March 25, 2005

By 

Keira (Lansing, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ethnic Interiors (Hardcover)

How do I love this book? Let me count the ways:

* 14 different ethnic themes are featured, categorized by continent and subcategorized by culture. These themes are: Cowboy, Native American, Mexican, Nordic, Celtic, Tyrolean, Mediterranean, Eastern Eropean, North African, Tribal, Gold Coast, Japanese, Indian, and Asiatic. Each theme is distinct, yet similar in the feeling of comfort and ease evoked in the featured rooms.

* Text describing regional features and differences,as well as full description of the interiors illustrated.

* Many richly colored photos with natural lighting. The light sources are sunlight, candlelight, and a few well placed ambient lowlights. Rooms that are naturally dark are not brightened by harsh studio lighting. The rooms are allowed to speak for themselves. Sunlight filters in at odd angles, leaving darkened corners and letting shadows fall where they will.

* The homes are all livable, believable. There are no sterile showroom model home interiors featured here. Each room looks as though the occupant just stepped out for a moment and will soon return.

* All these styles are easily achievable for almost anyone. Though undoubtedly some of the decorative elements are cherished antiques or expensive imports, the focus seems to be on the use of color, texture, random easily obtained materials, and imagination to produce very comfortable personalized results. The furniture is worn and aged, but cozy. Woodwork is dented and faded, but cared for and functional.

This book was exactly what I've been looking for, a simple and unfussy, well-illustrated book on ethnic design featuring real homes with real decor. The size of the book may be smallish, but it makes incredible use of it's spacial limitations. The inspiration found within the covers of this book is infinite. I highly recommend it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interior Designer review, June 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Ethnic Interiors (Hardcover)

This book is filled with the most wonderful photographs of so many different regions- Americas, Europe, Africa and the Far East. Along with 14 major deisign themes. Not only do the photos give the feel of the region but thay offer very valuable visual design elements. This is a concept driving book. I thoroughly enjoy this book every time I pick it up- I have owned it for a few years and continue to use it as a reference and inspiration. There is also a great directory for sources in the back. Designers will love this book as well as shelter book collectors- it's beautiful!

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally got a copy of my favorite decorating book., September 28, 2011

By 

J. Reuter (Dallas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ethnic Interiors (Hardcover)

I finally got my own copy of Ethnic Interiors, after checking it out of the library countless times. This was previously a library book that was "withdrawn" and now it's happily in my own library.