Period Finishes & Effects [Hardcover]

Judith Miller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1992

Paint finishes and effects are now established as an essential component of every decorator's range of skills. Here, for the first time in paperback, is bestselling authors Judith and Martin Miller's fully illustrated practical guide to the secrets of the surface finishes and effects that complement period homes and furniture. Each chapter is illustrated by inspirational photographs showing how different finishes were used in decorative schemes and includes practical step-by-step sequences demonstrating how amateurs can achieve authentic-looking finishes and effects. By focusing on authentic-looking period finishes, this book answers a need that is not fulfilled by any other paint-finish or do-it-yourself manual.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The authors of Period Design & Furnishing (Crown, 1988) have created a companion book that will educate and inspire amateur and professional decorators to enhance period interiors through the use of wall treatments and paint techniques. The uniqueness of this "how-to" book is found in the detailed history of the origins and use of each effect. Instructions for traditional wall treatments are included, as are ways of making new surfaces look antique, such as aging metal or wood. The appendix provides a glossary on equipment, materials, and techniques, and the directory lists supply companies in both Great Britain and the United States. Recommended for collections specializing in interior design and historic preservation.
- Gayle A. Williamson, Fashion Inst. of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Judith Miller is the co-founder and editor of the hugely successful annual publication Miller's Antiques Price Guide. She is the author or co-author of many acclaimed books for restorers and interior designers.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli; 1ST edition (September 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847815692
• ISBN-13: 978-0847815692
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 10 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #223,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Judith Miller began collecting in the 1960s while a student at Edinburgh University in Scotland. She has since extended and reinforced her knowledge of antiques and design through international research, becoming one of the world's leading experts in the field. In 1979 she co-founded the international bestseller Miller's Antiques Price Guide and has since written more than 100 books, which are held in high regard by collectors and dealers. Judith Miller appears regularly on TV and radio. She is an expert on the BBC's "Antiques Roadshow" and co-hosts the popular BBC TV series "The House Detectives," "ITV's "Antiques Trail," and Discovery's "It's Your Bid." She has appeared on "The Martha Stewart Show" and CNN. She is a regular lecturer and contributor to numerous newspapers and magazines, including Financial Times, BBC Homes & Antiques and House & Garden. She has lectured extensively, including at the V&A in London and the Smithsonian in Washington.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Overview of Period Finishes, April 2, 2000

By 

Suzan Nettleship - See all my reviews

This review is from: Period Finishes & Effects (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book for the professional designer or decorator looking for a comprehensive catalog of "out of the ordinary" finishes. The finishes reviewed are generally european in heritage, although many were imported to the US during the last 2 centuries. This is not a handbook for the weekend "do-it-yourself" decorator/painter as the finishes illustrated require multiple steps and practice to attain the desired look. The book is an excellent resource when discussing finishes and 'looks'with a professional painter/finisher. Additionally, the photographs are of a fine enough quality to help the reader understand the relationship of the color, technique and texture to the surrounding room. This should help the reader to visually conceive the design before the project execution and thereby minimize 'mistakes'. Enjoy!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A usefull book, January 9, 2007

By 

alessandra angelini (rome - italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Period Finishes & Effects: A Step-by-Step Guide to Decorating Techniques (Paperback)

I found the book very well done. There are many techniques that can be used to decorate furnitures and walls and all of them are very well explained. I'll soon try to embellish my house!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good book for the advanced amateur, November 17, 2009

By 

KRR "paint for fun" (Milwaukee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Period Finishes & Effects (Hardcover)

Decorative painting requires practice, but this book explains the techniques well enough to start you out. The photographs show the technique and final effect very well. I am an advanced amateur, and I appreciate the fact that this book demonstrates the more challenging finishes that I want to learn. I enjoy the historical aspects of the paint usage, and highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the charm of very old interior decorating.