Furnishing Forward: A Practical Guide to Furnishing for a Lifetime [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Sheila Bridges (Author), Anna Williams (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2002

A fun and informative manual designed to assist young people who want to decorate with "real" furniture in their new homes. The author sets out to help to guide the reader in finding a personal style and establishing a realistic budget, whilst at the same time working with colour. Bridges shares both her professional and personal anecdotes to help first-time home- and flat-owners make the transition in purchasing furniture that will endure for years. With the help of professional designers, Bridges offers advice on how to shop for quality pieces and create the look you want.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sheila Bridges runs her own successful design company based in New York. Many of her client's houses have featured in high profile magazines.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Bulfinch; 1 edition (May 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821226991
• ISBN-13: 978-0821226995
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #441,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Furnishing Forward, April 8, 2002

By 

"twilliams131" (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Furnishing Forward: A Practical Guide to Furnishing for a Lifetime (Hardcover)

Great book! I can see why Time magazine named Ms. Bridges #1 Designer for 2001. This is the first design book that I have enjoyed reading. Usually I just look at the pictures. The writing in most design books is normally so distant and professorial...while Furnishing Forward is very personal and funny, yet also practical and relevant. The pictures, which are beautiful, are used to show examples of the writer's point...rather than to just "show off" beautifully designed homes.

I believe the book is is a must read for people who are transitioning from temporary apartment living to a real home. It takes a lot of the mystery out of design...in an unusually upfront and truthful way. Due to my personal transition from "black-leather-sofa apartment living" to "a mix of antiques and country furnishings in a real home", I can relate to many of the issues and solutions provided by this book...and since this transition is never over, as the book points out, I will continue to use it as a reference.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Humourous and Helpful, June 27, 2002

By 

The Passionate Mind "Mom and Reader." (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Furnishing Forward: A Practical Guide to Furnishing for a Lifetime (Hardcover)

This is a fun read, and doesn't take too long. GREAT pictures, and a very articulate and educated style. Bridges shares from her wealth of experience and expertise to convince you to furnish your home comfortably and with quality pieces that will last.

However, if you're looking for a book to help you learn how to design interiors, go check out Straight Talk about Design by Lynnette Jennings, or something similar.

It's a good read, but I wouldn't say it's worth the [money]. If I had it to do again, I'd go to a book club or get it used.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bridges Hits Home Run, March 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Furnishing Forward: A Practical Guide to Furnishing for a Lifetime (Hardcover)

I jsut finished reading Bridges first full length book on design and I was amazed. Her advice about selecting and building a comfortable home enviornment hit the spot for me. I am in the market for a major living space overhaul to accomodate my new in home office and her advice was so practical. I have always been afraid to use colors and was inspired by the vaiety shown in the book. I could totally relate to her antedotes about our furniture life cycles. I think it is about time I get rid of my shag carpet and particle board furniture. The reading was light and easy, but very informative. The pictures are so great, the book qualifies for my coffee table.