Amazon.com Review
Each chapter in
The Ultimate Home Style Guide presents a fascinating history lesson while providing you with clear decorating tips. From the development of the textile and shipping industries to the deeper political and philosophical messages behind each style, the 25 different decorating themes are explored and celebrated in delightful detail. From medieval to modernist, the 14 style types in the "Historical" chapter highlight the individual characteristic of each time period and discuss the best methods for re-creating classic styles in a variety of budgets. Author Katherine Sorrell suggests items like cast-iron wall sconces, low-wattage bulbs, and plenty of large candles to set the appropriate mood for pre-electricity time periods. Floor coverings range from expensive slate tiles and parquet floors to easy-care woven mats and simply painted wooden boards. Each time period has specific colors, accessories, and textures that supply a particular feel--it may not be necessary to invest in pricey antiques and period furnishings if you use Sorrell's summarized suggestions. Global styles are equally interesting, from seasonal weather influences to an area's natural resources, regional styles are often rooted in simple, practical requirements. Scandinavians may strive to take advantage of any natural light, while Moroccans tend to create colorful and intimate spaces that hide from the heat of the day. The beautiful colors of the Mediterranean landscape are echoed on the walls and fabrics of houses, while the sophisticated French admire personal style above all else. Sorrell highlights each region gracefully, again emphasizing lighting, color, textures, and accessories to create a specific tone. With glossy photos, precise color charts, and page-long style summaries for every theme, you'll find equal parts inspiration and information within these pages.
--Jill Lightner
From Library Journal
Few books present as wide a variety of decorating styles as found here, although Lawrence Schwin's Decorating Old House Interiors (LJ 1/97) remains an excellent source for American interiors. Sorre gives information on historic styles from medieval to contemporary and ethnic styles from European country to Asian, Latin American, and African. Each style is described in terms of development and influences, typical furnishings, treatment of walls, floors, and lighting, and color and fabric; the style is finally summarized by having key elements pointed out in a room. Sorre's chatty tone and advice on what to make oneself and where to look for furnishings make this book extremely accessible to amateurs. Experienced designers will also benefit from the well-presented and thorough information. Highly recommended for all types of interior design collections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
