Christopher Lowell's You Can Do It! Small Spaces : Decorating to Make Every Inch Count

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Summary: Tons of fabric and fake plants
Review: In the past 20+ years I have researched and reviewed literally thousands of pages on decorating small spaces. This book hits the mark-especially if you have a small space and have many challenging obstacles-lack of wall space, storage space, rooms that seem to go nowhere, or misaligned structures-windows, fireplaces, doorways. I do not agree with the reviews that state that this book does not cover the way that most of suburbia live. Not in all areas of the country perhaps, but the growing majority, due to downsizing and strained budgets, are living this way. Tract housing and pre-fab construction is on the rise. I have this book, and have suggested it for preferred reading at the colleges and libraries in my area. It is one of a kind, and worth twice the price!

Rating:
Summary: This book is the benchmark in small space decorating!
Review: In the past 20+ years I have researched and reviewed literally thousands of pages on decorating small spaces. This book hits the mark-especially if you have a small space and have many challenging obstacles-lack of wall space, storage space, rooms that seem to go nowhere, or misaligned structures-windows, fireplaces, doorways. I do not agree with the reviews that state that this book does not cover the way that most of suburbia live. Not in all areas of the country perhaps, but the growing majority, due to downsizing and strained budgets, are living this way. Tract housing and pre-fab construction is on the rise. I have this book, and have suggested it for preferred reading at the colleges and libraries in my area. It is one of a kind, and worth twice the price!

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Summary: Beautifully Done & Well Written
Review: This book is a must-read for anyone attempting to decorate a small living space (no matter what part of the house it is). If you are just flipping through the book looking at the pictures you won't learn much. That's no different than looking through a magazine. However, if you take the time to read each chapter and apply his know-how, you will learn a tremendous amount from Mr. Lowell. He causes you to think about your space, how it is going to be used, and how you can make it a beautiful place all your own. The "seven layers of design" are also explained in each room decorated. Also, there are two looks for the same room. This book saved us from making costly mistakes in our decorating, sparked our creativity, and remained practical all at the same time. We love the change in our home. Loved this book!!

Rating:
Summary: Awful.
Review: This is without a doubt, one of the worst decorating books I have ever seen. Christopher Lowell has seen fit to include a picture of himself on nearly every page; he smirks and preens like Marcel Marceau, nearly screaming at the reader "I'm a flaming decorator!" It is positively revolting.
The title "You Can Do It" translates to: You Can Cram Everything You Have Into a Tiny Space." These rooms are totally bursting at the seams with stuff he's obviously been hording since the 80's, including plastic plants and flowers in tacky proliferation.
I was hoping to glean some information about small spaces but there is none to be had. Some of the rooms are so crowded with furniture, shelves, fake plants, and bamboo ornamentation, that I felt dizzy. The best inspiration for your small space can be found in your Ikea catalogue. Seriously.

Rating:
Summary: Christopher did it AGAIN!!!
Review: What a wonderful book with real ideas for small spaces ... even if you have a larger home this would be of interest to you. I have read many, many decorating and design books this one is definitely one of THE BEST!!!