The Pocket Decorator [Paperback]

Pamela Banker (Author), Leslie Banker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 26, 2004

This portable, fully illustrated encyclopedia of decorating is destined to become an instant classic.

Decorating a house or apartment should be a fun and creative project, but almost everyone finds the number of decisions to make overwhelming. Cut pile or loop pile carpet? Trace lighting or wall sconces? Chintz, velvet, or linen for the upholstery? There are so many choices to consider and questions that are difficult to answer.

The Pocket Decorator is the solution: a unique visual primer of interior design that is small enough to slip into your pocket. Uniquely complete and portable, this accessible volume includes everything from big-picture topics like architectural styles throughout the ages to nitty-gritty details such as curtain treatments. With chapters on Architectural Elements, Decorative Motifs, Fabrics, Floor Treatments, Furniture, Hardware, Lighting, Trimmings, Upholstery, Walls, and Windows, the book also features sidebars on such topics as standard bed sizes, how to buy a lampshade, how to decorate in the country style, and more. It's like having your own personal decorator in your pocket wherever you go.

Endlessly useful, practical in its organization, and portable in size, with elegant illustrations throughout, The Pocket Decorator will find a place in every home decorator's library.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Pamela Banker is a leading interior designer with more than 30 years experience in the decorating and design business.

Leslie Banker, Pamela's daughter, is an established journalist whose work has appeared in Elle Décor and New Woman.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Universe (June 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789310570
• ISBN-13: 978-0789310576
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #321,018 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Leslie Banker was a contributing writer for "The Santa Fe Reporter" and a reporter for "The Southampton Press" on Long Island. She moved to NYC, was a freelance writer, and started working at her mother's design firm. It was meant to be a short-term arrangement, but Leslie stayed on for 10 years. She and her mother, Pamela Banker, co-authored The Pocket Decorator and The Pocket Renovator. As The Pocket Decorator demystifies the language of decorating, Leslie's third book, written with her husband William Mullins, demystifies all things British.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sharpened my decorating skills...., July 22, 2004

By 

Nancy M - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pocket Decorator (Paperback)

This little book has been a really great asset. The Pocket Decorator is a clear reference book of interior design terms, especially helpful for a decorating hack like myself. It shows things like the difference between styles of windows, which if you're renovating or building OR want to impress your home depot guy, is very useful information to have! There are smart design tips here too. For example, wall mounted lamps should be mounted 42 inches off the floor (Who knew?) and it also tells you how much clearance to allow for ceiling light fixtures over a table. (Like I ever would have even thought to think of this?) Because of this book I now have pink light bulbs in my boudoir. What more could a girl ask for? This book rocks.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is what it seems--and that's good!, January 13, 2005

By 

BookFan (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pocket Decorator (Paperback)

To all the people on here who are complaining this book is "not what it seems," did you not read the product description? This is an encylcopedia, it says so itself. And it is a good one at that. It's got all the terms, many illustrations, and is a great tool to refer to for quick answers. It's very helpful when learning about the basics. No, it's not going to show you how to decorate your living room--it gives you information for you to do that yourself.
There are many many decorating books that have full page glossy pictures of other people's designs. This is not one, nor does it claim to be. This is something to help individuals make educated choices about their OWN styles.
It's an extremely good book and shouldn't be judged against things that are not in the same category.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is exactly what the title says it is!, July 11, 2004

By 

Elizabeth McAlpin (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pocket Decorator (Paperback)

This is a book of decorating terminology for those who are interested in breaking down the sometimes daunting decorating verbiage. The uses of this book are varying and vast. For example, the book is particularly useful if you are into buying antiques and want to verify furniture styles and periods fast and easy. You just take the book with you on your weekend antique escapades. It is also really helpful if you are dabbling in decorating for yourself or looking to restore an old home. If you are new to decorating, this books will help you begin to see the range of furniture styles, fabric types, flooring options, hardware, etc... that are on the market. If you are already an established designer this book is great to work with your clients to help them understand simple things like the difference between a bergere and a fauteuil or the vast array of lighting options. Use the book the way you need to and want to. I bought the book for my sister-in-law who just bought a house and wants to replace the old fixtures, add new lighting, and collect some antiques. She loves the book because it gives her a guide to work with when making decisions and researching her needs and personal style preferences. Decorating is a fun pursuit but can be overwhelming with options and terminology. This book helps to break down the terminology and guide you towards your personal style. Use it the way you need and want to! Be creative!