Modern Glamour : The Art of Unexpected Style

Rating:
Summary: Finally! A design book that breaks the mold!
Review: Let me begin by saying that I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! How refreshing to open a book that draws you into the details of the designer's mind and creative talent. This book is all about luscious, full-color saturated, delicious photos that pull you into the setting of their spaces- there are sections in the book of full-bleed pages of photos, some in close focus of particular details. It's amazing to see the contrast and combination of some of the things the designer combines within her designs- things that on their own seem odd and out of place, but juxtaposed together work to create a whole new visual treat. From the photographs and graphic layout of the book itself, to the content of the projects displayed, this book just oozes creative talent.
I'm not exactly sure why having the designer's picture in the book seems to offend some of the above readers, but for me, I liked having a "face to the form." It's cool to see how the designer's own personal sensibility affects the type of work that she creates. What other interior design book out there combines fantastic architectural spaces and fashion with such aplomb! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves interior design and/or fashion- you will not regret the purchase, I can assure you!

Rating:
Summary: More Ego Than Design
Review: Modern Glamour is not so much about decorating as it is about Kelly Wearstler's larger-than-life ego. From her writing, it would appear that Kelly has single-handedly invented at least a dozen or so time-tested design principles- (Does Kelly really believe that mixing styles and periods is a new concept, or that a visually graphic interior is a first?) As for her work as a whole, I think I was on page 56 when my design sensibility screamed, "OKAY! I GET IT ALREADY!" At best, this book does a fair job of marketing Kelly's narrow, easily attainable style as complex. While I would not recommend this book to a serious design enthusiast, it might appeal to the novice looking for examples of easily achievable decorating. Simply purchase paint and fabric in white, black and yellow, paint a Piedmontese armchair white, and you are halfway there.

Rating:
Summary: A Beatiful Mind from a Beautiful Woman
Review: Someone said this is a book more about the designer herself than her work, but why not? A designer reflects her mind within her lifestyle and her background. If you are looking for a beatiful home with elegance and glamour, this is it!

Rating:
Summary: Good idea but badly done
Review: The idea for this book is good but the book was badly done. Unexpected style is something that intrigues me, but that's not what this book actually is. The book is pretty dated in the way it is done because it's all about one unknown designer's "take" on decorating. No one today wants to be dictated to or to just copy what another person has done. So this book misses the mark by several miles. If you want a decorating book that helps you create your own style, this is not it. Don't buy this. It seems more like a book about this designer's own ego.