Customer Reviews

The New Eighteenth-Century Style: Rediscovering a French Decor

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

 

 

This is a pretty, pretty book with lots of great stuff to look it, lots of interesting vignettes. It's French shabby, chippy _hit, uh, I mean chic. This was a great trend in the mid 1990's here in the USA before Rachel A. made shabby and chic a brand. Big style on a budget using detrius no one wanted. And it was cheap back then. Just took a can of white paint to chic up everything.

These French 18th century and 18th century inspired objets in this book, are not cheap. They are shabby and they are beautiful. The vignettes look like the Broadway stage set for the play Dangerous Liasons - decay, messy, artful, romantic, monochromatic and mad.

Like many decor books, the vignettes are impossible to see as life like - like does anyone really live in these vignettes. Still, they are beautiful to look at. The new 18th century style is a little like the new emperor's clothes. Smoke and mirrors to the highest degree of accomplishment. Get this book for the fun of it.

I'm an artist & antique collector and not an interior designer by trade, so I am totally enjoying this book. I find it to be a lovely book full of great photography and many interesting details to spark one's imagination. Regardless of the fact that all the styles are not necessarily my own taste, the book as a whole is great fun to look at and I found it inspiring. Each time I looked at a room, I found some new little detail that I'd missed the first time around. It made me itch to re-vamp a room, stat, and I consider anything that inspires me or makes me feel creative money well spent.

Since I have a lot of books on decorating and furniture I was hesitant to purchase yet another. I can hear my bookcase groaning. But I have a small vintage furniture shop near Ithaca, NY and am always looking for new inspiration. Now, I can only say that I am sorry I waited so long to purchase this book! For those of you who like different and off-beat, yet chic and elegant, this is your book. Yes, the vignettes may see a bit strange to Americans who tend to go for shiny and new. Many of the items are from the natural and organic world. They are subdued and elegant at the same time. Only the French can put antlers and chandeliers together and make it look incredible! If you're looking for the opulent, gilded look, don't buy this book. But if you love shopping in all the weird places and cherish that moss covered twig you found in the woods and want to put it all together in a refined manner, this is your book! This will be my go to book for inspiration for years to come.

If you're style is that of a Paris flea market, the bazaar in Bombay or a eclectic old shop somewhere in Eastern Europe, you'll love this book. Great photography; the individualism of each space comes through with color and texture. My new favorite. The highlight is more photos of the Stockholm attic apartment, which is a true style icon.

More like Madame Pompadour is probably rolling over in her grave. I hope to goodness gracious that this isn't the new 18th century style. If you like 18th century style on a seriously tight budget then you may enjoy this book. It's full of pages of colorless 'schemes', seriously abused furniture and icy cold lighting. Was it all photographed in rooms with Northern exposure? The editors of Veranda will love this book. I am an interior designer who collects period 18th century furniture and art. I have truly studied 18th century furniture, decorative arts and customs for years and this is a popular look although I find it horribly depressing. On the positive side - the photography in this book is very well done. If you like French flea market 'junk' then you'll love this. I gave it a 4 vs. a 2 because the quality of the book is excellent and the photography is excellent but much of my disdain for this book is from this horrendous & prevalent style that I wish would go away.

I am an interior designer, and several years ago decided to lay off buying more design books; I am drowning in them, and find that, often, they seem so dated in such a short time that I can't justify the (often considerable) investment. Needless to say, I made an exception for this book. The New 18th Century Style is about art and antiquity, wit and flair, and--though it is all about French and old--it is NOTHING about Shabby Chic! It is just glorious, and full of fantastic objects, creative vignettes, and examples of extraordinary living that are completely inspiring. I love this book!

If you like a look of "faded grandeur" as the jacket describes it, and aspire to create a poetic environment made up of antiques that is not formal, pretentious, or too worrisome in terms of maintaining perfection, this book may be for you. The style is not exactly "shabby chic"; it is somewhat more rarified and calling for more planning and thinking, juxtaposing and rearranging. It is more a "cabinet of curiosities" aesthetic, with the home evolving into somewhat of a microcosm of the natural and historical world. The juxtaposition of something fine with something homely is a modern, budget-friendly way of using and enjoying old pieces. You don't have to use taxidermy and antlers; you can use whatever things you like and find inspirational.

This book is great because it shows you ways of having French style but still living in a current home and lifestyle. I loved all of the looks mixing old and new with found objects like sea shells. Of course a lot of the furniture and art is very high end, you can easily get the same look with a little bit of creative shopping at flea markets.

Just a wonderful book with a shabby chic style.

One of the best "coffee table" design/decorating books I've every come across. I loved the French edition - this translation is just as beautiful and inspiring.

An absolutely smashing book, full of details. After all, it is the details that make the room finishesd and unique. This is a classic look in my way of thinking, but then again, it is my style! A decorator by trade, I am always open to new concepts, and I found the book to offer many different perspectives on the same style, pages after pages of them. Excellent book layout and design, and wonderful photography.