Rooms to Remember: Interiors Inspired by the Past [Hardcover]

Barbara Stoeltie (Author), Rene Stoeltie (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999

Rooms to Remember captures an original approach to decoration. The look is inspired but never enslaved by the past, and relies not on money but on imagination and freedom-the freedom to use illusion and visual excitement, ignore fashion, mix styles and express personal vision. Barbara and Rene' Stoeltie draw on elegant, original interiors as varied as an American country retreat, a French fisherman's dwelling, and an eighteenth century Dutch manor house. Though wide ranging in style, all are united by a spirit of invention; and people who have created these eclectic and timeless rooms delight in sharing their expertise.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The Stoelties, regular contributors to World of Interiors magazine, depict European and American interiors that use the period of their historic buildings to inspire their interiors. Rather than authentic re-creations of period decorating, these interiors have been designed to combine contemporary decorating styles with historic furniture and decorative accessories. Sources for antique furniture and decorative accessories in Europe and the United States are given. This well-illustrated book will be especially useful in professional and school collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Barbara Stoeltie studied at the Akademic voor Schone Kunsten-Ghent and the Conservatoire in Brussels. She has exhibited her own surrealist paintings in Brussels and Geneva and contributed art criticism to Vrij Nederland in the 1980's. She has been a regular contributor to The World of Interiors since 1984 and regularly collaborates with her husband Rene' on magazine articles.

Rene' Stoeltie's own interiors have been featured in Decoration Internationale, and his photographic work has appeared in magazines all over the world, including The World of Interiors, House and Garden, Elle, Country Homes and Interiors, Harper's Bazaar, Colonial Homes, and Classic Homes.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media Corporation; 1st edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580621104
• ISBN-13: 978-1580621106
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #434,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic shabby chic interiors, April 4, 2005

By 

Kathryn Masson (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rooms to Remember: Interiors Inspired by the Past (Hardcover)

The interiors featured in Rooms to Remember are truly inspirational for those of us who value authenticity. They include the interiors of many historic homes in Europe and America that have been carefully designed to create atmosphere and charm. Photographs are of whole rooms as well as smaller vignettes. The always wonderful work of American interior designer John Saladino and the extraordinary and unique work of French interior designer Frederic Mechiche, my favorites, are well represented. The colors in the textiles and paint, and combinations of architectural and design elements are given special attention. The photography evokes the 18th century, and transports you back in time. The text is enjoyably readable and extremely informative. I keep the book on hand...it is that lovely. I highly recommend this book to any interior designer and for those who love really traditional and historical interiors.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Taste for the Past, October 26, 2007

By 

Classicdude (River City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rooms to Remember: Interiors Inspired by the Past (Hardcover)

My copy of this book, which I have really enjoyed, is the 1999 first edition which has a different dustjacket. Otherwise, I presume this edition is the same.

The introduction titled "A Taste for the Past" is followed by the chapter "Houses to Remember" with the first being the author's own Dutch manor house, followed by several houses with multiple views shown including the exterior. The rest of the book is divided into chapters showing examples of rooms grouped into categories. "First Impressions" shows entrance halls. "Drawing Rooms", "Dining Rooms", "Kitchens", "Libraries and Studys", "Bedrooms", "Bathrooms" and "Gardens Rooms" which includes outdoor rooms comprise the remaining examples.

Although there are a few photos which show a whole room, my only complaint would be that the majority of the shots just show a corner of a room or even just a detail and no more. All the photography is wonderful, however, and even morsels such as these tell a story -- it is just a short one. And though quality can not be always based on quantity, it is a relatively thin volume. It is recommended none-the-less.

4.0 out of 5 stars Room(s) for another view, October 23, 2011

By 

Ossian "ossian" (albuquerque, nm) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Rooms to Remember: Interiors Inspired by the Past (Hardcover)

In contrast to the repetitive and sterile current style, this work by a pair of skilled Nederlanders offers views that reflect actual human living conditions as against the anti-human minimalism that hints at considerable household staff and unresolved anality. Yes, you would have to have money and connections to have John Saladino prepare the sumptuous classical rooms for which he is rightly famous, a photo of one of which graces the cover. On the other hand, if you enjoy the off-beat taste and skill that can turn an undistinguished dwelling into a livable and inviting space (a specialty of London's The World of Interiors) without having gutted a large trust fund, you will find in this book more than a few rooms in which you wouldn't mind passing a long weekend or even a good chunk of your life. Rene's inviting photos offer that glorious light found in older Dutch/Flemish and even Italian art. If I ever get to enjoy residence in one of the Paradisal "mansions" of which the Gospel speaks, I will want to consult Mr Saladino on the details, but I would point out to the authors and their editor that it was Aby Warburg who said Der liebe Gott wohnt in detailles and if Saladino said it, he was knowingly quoting.