Practically Minimal [Hardcover]

Maggie Toy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2000

The new minimalist style of interior design is not about massive expense and austere living. This book offers ideas for flexible, enjoyable and functional spaces that combine minimalism with a love of exotic woods and metals, colours, natural light, clean lines and an easy modern lifestyle.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Toy and Shaw both look at the trend toward the use of natural materials in modern, minimal style domestic interiors. Filled with superb color photographs, Toy's book takes an international look at contemporary minimal style in architect-designed houses that focuses on the use of natural materials as well as an innovative use of glass, light, and color to create a warmer feel. Shaw gives more explanatory information on the use of natural materials in modern interiors that will help even an amateur achieve the look. Beginning with the use of individual elements such as stone, wood, and fabrics, in the second section Shaw shows how these elements can be combined into a design scheme. Shaw provides an international list of resources and Toy an international list of designers and architects. Both are recommended for large interior design collections, Shaw's book would be a good choice for public libraries.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Toy, executive editor of Architectural Design magazine, writes that a much more livable version of minimalism has emerged from the 1990s style she describes as "extremely expensive, exactingly detailed," "stark," and marked by the near "absence of human life." In this lavishly illustrated volume, Toy draws examples from international homes to present her view of an updated minimalism: a livable, often colorful style that leaves more room to express the personality and hobbies of a homeowner. In sections devoted to various areas of the home, Toy offers basic, practical ideas aimed at amateur designers working on their own houses: "Start with walls and floors and add elements piece by piece." Toy's charge to seek "tranquility and freedom from conventional distractions" will strike a chord with many readers interested in creating more dynamic, simplified, clutter-free living spaces for themselves, while the beautifully reproduced interiors show a wide range of possibilities and styles. An extended resource section concludes this handsome, informative title for design enthusiasts. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500510105
• ISBN-13: 978-0500510100
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #979,982 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great pictures, January 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Practically Minimal (Hardcover)

If you enjoy modern minimal interiors this is a great book. The pictures are beautiful. It puts you in the mind of the great interiors featured in Hype Williams videos. My only complaint is that all the listed resources are in London. If the resources were in the US this book would be rated a 5 star project.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emphasizes the idea that less is more, August 8, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Practically Minimal: Simply Beautiful Solutions for Modern Living (Paperback)

Practically Minimal: Simply Beautiful Solutions For Modern Living by Maggie Toy (Executive Editor of the London-based "Architectural Digest") is an informed and informative interior decorating guide which emphasizes the idea that less is more, and openness can be refreshing. Stunning full-color photographs of simple yet charming minimalist layouts illustrate the tips for enhancing aesthetic appeal, comfort, and practicality of large and small interior features. Practically Minimal is a welcome and highly valued addition to professional and academic Interior Design reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

2.0 out of 5 stars Argh, wish I didn't buy this book, November 14, 2011

By 

art chick (va, usa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Practically Minimal (Hardcover)

This isn't a bad book. For example, there are color images. However, it is a boring book. And it's not terribly helpful either. Plus I found many of the design images uninspiring.

It's too bad there aren't more good books out there on minimalism. I like minimalism as an idea, and I have enjoyed reading a few lifestyle books on it. And I like interior decorating. Therefore, I wanted to find a book that combined minimalism + interior design. But sadly, it seems like all the minimalism design books out there are, ironically, too wordy and lacking enough substance.