Customer Reviews

Rooms to Remember: Interiors Inspired by the Past

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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.

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.

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.

A book filled with ideas for interior designs.