Customer Reviews

Open Your Eyes: 1,000 Simple Ways To Bring Beauty Into Your Home And Life Each Day (Harperresource Book)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I borrowed this book from the library, and having finished it, I'm now going to buy it so I can keep referring to it. This is the first "decorating" book among the many I've read that really explained decorating/design principles rather than beguiling me with photos (although I liked her photos, too, especially the attic retreat). I was interested to read another reviewer's comment that Ms. Stoddard was talking down to her readers. Several years ago I thought that too when I read "Creating a Beautiful Home." I remember feeling resentful and thinking, "Oh, sure, if you have money..." In this book, however, I came to understand that she's not dwelling on what you spend on things but rather things you can do to enhance your daily life that don't depend on money. I particularly appreciated the exercises Ms. Stoddard gave and her anecdotes about her own teacher. And her explanation of the Golden Mean is the clearest I've ever read.

I really like the way Mrs.Stoddard writes, very clear, simple and full of delightful details for the readers to understand what she means. You don't have to have a lot of money to live a beautiful life, just commonsense, beauty thoughts and a will to truly express yourself in your everyday life. This book, like all the others that I've read written by her, were a delight to read and a very good guide for those who want to improve their day-to-day life, paying more attention to minor details that really make a difference. Congratulations, Mrs.Stoddard, on your words, your thoughts shared with us, the way you put the words, tha quotations that you use as examples, the presentation of the books.I'm a big fan of yours and if I have the opportunity one day, I'll attend one of your lectures. Thank you for sharing your ideas with all of us.

I would have to say that this book was a disappointment in the extreme. Most of the ideas are old, tried, and true - there is nothing new in here, and her constant "name dropping" becomes quite annoying.

If you REALLY want a wonderful book... try Stoddard's "Living A Beautiful Life". It is much more worthwhile.

Some useful advice about solving problems like long rooms and such. But overall this book desperately NEEDED some good photographs or drawings to illustrate its suggestions and ideas. I think the messages are buried in the adjective-laden narrative and make the book much less useful than it could have been.
I do not recommend this book for that reason. Too much talk, not enough action.

I read several reviews of this book (good and bad) and finally decided to look at a copy in the bookstore before deciding whether to order it. I admit that I spent only about 30 minutes with the book, but I chose not to buy it. I agree with one of the amazon reviewers who said that the author comes off as pretentious. The book isn't about those who have -- or don't have -- money. The problem is that the tone of the writing is off-putting because it has a phony, pretentious quality. It's as if the writer is trying to continually prove to the readers how great she is -- but it backfires. Some writers convey respect for the reader while sharing personal stories and advice; unfortunately, this writer doesn't succeed in creating that kind of partnership with the reader. I just felt that she was talking down to me in order to puff herself up. It didn't make me feel put down -- it simply turned me off to this book.

I just received my book and spent an hour or so perusing it. I wanted so much to love it and be inspired-but I don't and I'm not. The author comes off as a patronizing snob instead of the warm friend I was expecting. Instead of sharing positive experiences with readers, she clearly sees herself as above them. Even her language is pretentious. When writing of the kitchen, she refers to the "larder" and the "buttery." Puh-LEEZE. The book contains only eight photos -- all of her own uninspiring rooms. It's not that there aren't ideas here-there are many good ones in between the ridiculous tips. It's just that the over-all tone rarnges from off-putting to simply boring.

This is one of the happiest little books you'll ever read. It makes you excited about decorating and improving your lifestyle.

I don't know how she continues to generate a new book year after year, but here's another fabulous book to add to your Alexandra Stoddard collection. Less philosophical than her more recent books. This one relies more heavily on her experience and insight gained from her many years of work in interior design. Great idea book!

I just purchased this book at a local store and I plan to return it. My interest was caught by the book's title and what it promised, but I should have read one chapter (and maybe these other reviews) before purchasing the book. The writing seems choppy and rather overblown in its descriptions. For example: "Standards for aesthetically pleasing proportions are scientifically logical, achieved by following mathematical rules that date back to the civilization and architecture of ancient Greece." Wouldn't it have been simpler to write: "Mathematical rules established in ancient Greek architecture are used today for creating pleasing proportions"? Even though I was very interested in learning about proportions, the ponderous writing style kept me from completing chapter one. It's too bad that Ms. Stoddard did not have a good editor to guide her in using simple English to explain what I'm sure are useful ideas.

very informative. a pleasure to read. alexandra is a postive person and it shows in her words. great pictures of her own home...