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

Sheila Bridges (Author), Anna Williams (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2005

This new paperback helps readers find a personal style, establish a realistic budget and work with colour. It covers many basics of decorating, such as finishing hardwood floors and choosing rugs; using slipcovers and pillows to liven up a room; and incorporating decorative details like wall sconces, ceramic vases, door hardware, candlesticks and picture frames. Sheila Bridges also offers advice on where to shop for quality pieces as well as how to work with design professionals to create the look you want.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sheila Bridges is president of Sheila Bridges Design, based in New York City, and host of the television show, Sheila Bridges: Designer Living. Her own Manhattan apartment and those of many of her clients, have been featured in magazines and books, including The Best of Martha Stewart: Living and Decorating Details, House and Garden, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Martha Stewart Living, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, In Style, and Town & Country.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Bulfinch (January 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821261800
• ISBN-13: 978-0821261804
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,579,565 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.