The Style Sourcebook: The Definitive Illustrated Directory of Fabrics, Wallpapers, Paints, Flooring, Tiles [Hardcover]

Judith Miller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2008

The Style Sourcebook is an encyclopedic catalog of 2,300 color swatches and other examples of the best in interior design products and materials. Included are styles and traditions from the medieval and pre-16th century periods right through to the early 21st century. This revision is updated to ensure that discontinued products have been removed, up-to-the-minute products have been added, and contact details for distributors are current.

The information is provided in six main sections, each wide-ranging and detailed, with helpful commentary:

• Style Guide
• Tiles
• Paints and Finishes
• Wallpapers
• Fabrics
• Flooring.

All the major design styles are included. Entries are organized chronologically according to material and design, and every entry includes company, pattern name and number, colors, measurements, material composition and suggested use. The full-color swatches are large enough for viewing the product clearly. The book includes a glossary of terms and a detailed directory of distributors.

Working designers, decorators, stylists and design students will find The Style Sourcebook an essential reference, and home decorators will be inspired by its wide-ranging practicality.

(200401)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Do patrons have limited access to interior design showrooms? Are they just learning decorating style and taste? Even though home design materials can change according to manufacturers' and designers' whims, Miller has produced a tome filled with ideas enough to satisfy any decision-wracked decorator. This revision (of the 1998 first edition) reflects the constantly shifting range of interior tastes with 60 percent new samples. It begins with a style guide, a short photographic introduction to nine different design periods from medieval to the early twenty-first century. Five specific sections concentrate strictly on fabric, wallpaper, paint and finishes, tile, and flooring, capturing information (price, manufacturer, suitability, color, composition) for each color sample. Though price is figured in English pounds (!) and swatches can be too small, this is a noble attempt to bring the wide world of interior design to the attention of nonprofessionals. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

[Review of previous edition] A great resource to a wide range of readers. (Sharon Pate E-Streams 2004)

[Review of previous edition] The ultimate guide to fabrics, wallpapers, tiles, paints and floor coverings... encompasses both historical and contemporary. (Distinctive Kitchen Solutions 20031211)

[Review of previous edition] Wonderful book full of suggestions, contact information, and prices on fabrics, wallpapers, paints, flooring, and tiles. (Bradford Eden American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35 200312)

[Review of previous edition] Anyone with exacting tastes and interior aspirations might want to own this book. (Annie Groer Washington Post 20040108)

[Review of previous edition] Swatches are carefully reproduced... accompanied by a detailed caption listing all the information needed to order. (Cybele [Boston Design Center] 200404)

[Review of previous edition] Florals from the early 20th century? Turn to those pages to see... their modern day manufacturers. (Janet Eastman Los Angeles Times 20031221)

[Review of previous edition] Finding the perfect design element has never been so easy... an authoritative reference guide. (Window and Wall Ideas 20031218)

[Review of previous edition] An absolute pleasure: it's beautifully illustrated, handsomely produced, sensibly organized, helpfully written. (Linda Turk Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal 20031213)

[Review of previous edition] Full of eye-catching photos for different genres of decorating... tons of useful information. (Kamea Zelisko Edmonton Sun 20050615)

[Review of previous edition] This book will offer choices along with expert-level knowledge. (Kay O'Donnell San Antonio Express-News 20031031)

[Review of previous edition] Sumptuously produced and illustrated... certain to be popular with professional and amateur decorators alike. (Library Journal 20031122)

[Review of previous edition] Richly illustrated... visual dictionary of fashions in fabric, wallpaper, tile and flooring design. (Jane Gadd Globe and Mail 20031127)

[Review of previous edition] Sumptuous... an absolute must for the serious interior designer... a delight for the eye. (Globe and Mail 20031128)

[Review of previous edition] This comprehensive volume makes a truly stunning gift book for the inspired home decorator. (Linda Piwowarczyk Chicago Sun Newspapers 20040201)

[Review of previous edition] Handy reference book... easy to use with more than 2,300 color photographs. (Michele Marko Vancouver Sun 20040401)

[Review of previous edition] Guides you through decorative periods ranging from the Medieval... up to the late 20th century's. (Sources+Design 20081113)

[Review of previous edition] If you are serious about period designing, Judith Miller's 'The Style Sourcebook,' is essential. (Linda Hutchinson San Gabriel Valley Tribune )

[Review of previous edition] A tome filled with ideas enough to satisfy any decision-wracked decorator. (Barbara Jacobs Booklist / RBB )

[Review of previous edition] Authoritative reference guide... includes the history and influences of major design styles, plus an up-to-date catalog. (Better Homes and Gardens Window and Wall Ideas )

Takes a preventative approach to home design. By making decorating choices

A comprehensive and visually exciting compendium for interior design.... Every decorating woman will love this book. (Lois Cooper Muskoka Today (Gravenhurst ON) )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books; Revised edition (February 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554073596
• ISBN-13: 978-1554073597
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.7 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #882,341 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Interior Design > Professional Reference

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

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars the difinative source book, June 23, 2000

By 

Michelle Dickrell (Madison Wis.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Style Sourcebook (Hardcover)

This book is great not only for someone who is just getting started in decorating but, also for the professional as a referance. It is broken down into six basic catagories; Style guide, Fabrics. Wallpapers, Paints and Finishes, Tiles, and Flooring. Judith Miller does an excellent job of giving a wealth of information about not only different periods but also what textiles lend themselves to these periods. I was not to impressed with the paints and finishes section however. I really liked the organization by image (ie fabrics with flowers) and style period rather than fabric type or colors. The variety is amazing. The best part of the book is that she gives you the info to find all of the textiles! Including the maker, if other colors are available, and estimated price. This is great, other style books generally do not give you half of the wealth of information that is book does. I couldn't wait to get started.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have For the Professional, December 17, 2003

By 

Manon Kavesky (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Style Sourcebook: The Definitive Illustrated Directory of Fabrics, Wallpapers, Paints, Flooring and Tiles (Hardcover)

The Style Sourcebook: The Definitive Illustrated Directory of Fabrics, Wallpapers, Paints, Flooring and Tiles Revised Edition by Judith Miller, published by Firefly, is a must have book for the professional. The Style Sourcebook is unique in the crowded market of interior design books because it locates materials, motifs, patterns, and colors within specific historical periods. The author, Judith Miller is co-founder of Miller's Antique Price Guides is also a regular guest on House Detectives and The Antiques Trail.
An encyclopedic book The Style Sourcebook contains 2300 swatches, from a extensive range of international designers. The up-to-date swatches are carefully reproduced in brilliant color and are accompanied by a detailed caption listing all the information necessary to order, such as manufacturer name, pattern name, size, repeats, composition and, etc. Every chapter is devoted to a product category; for example paint, wallpaper, fabric, flooring, and tile. The chapters are divided into main design types florals, geometrics, pictorials, motifs, and etc. Then they are further subdivided into time periods: medieval, 18th Century, late 19th Century, 21st Century, and etc.
From medieval to modern, The Style Sourcebook provides inspiration and the facts for selecting the right ingredients for any interior scheme. You might need two copies of this book one to loan out to clients and one for your personal reference.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On fabrics, wallpapers, paints, tiles and flooring, March 4, 2004

By 

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

This review is from: The Style Sourcebook: The Definitive Illustrated Directory of Fabrics, Wallpapers, Paints, Flooring and Tiles (Hardcover)

This highly recommended reference will find its way to any library with holdings in the decorative arts: The Style Sourcebook covers fashionable styles of interior decoration from the Middle Ages to modern times and offers over two thousand color photos to enhance its history of the evolution of design styles. A historical overview introduction deftly blends into chapters which focus on fabrics, wallpapers, paints, tiles and flooring - each considering varieties, history and evolution, and differences in mediums. Concluding with a directory listing international manufacturers and distributors, this revised classic is a winner.