The New Decorating Book (Better Homes and Gardens(R))

Rating:
Summary: In tune with the times
Review: We are in our first home, and like a lot of other 20-somethings, our tastes (and politics) tend to be more traditional than our parents. Although this book shows a big variety of styles, I agree with another reviewer who said that the book's photography tends toward the traditionsl (and country). However, I see that as a good thing. I grew up in my parents' contemporary home,but what I want for myself is something more traditional and classic. This seems to be true of my friends, too. My mother looked at my new wing chair and called it "fuddy-duddy," while I see it as chic!

Rating:
Summary: Better for classic or traditional homes
Review: This book definitely provides lots of pictures for inspiration. However if you're like me and your personal style is more Elle Decor or House Beautiful than Better Homes & Gardens, you won't enjoy it as much. I just can't get excited about florals or plaids -- I found the decor a bit on the traditional side, so I might give it to my mother who would enjoy it more.

Rating:
Summary: Great visualization tool
Review: Loved all the great color photographs and the many differing decorating styles...everyone should be able to find something they like within this book. Also liked the quiz to determine your personal decorating style. I personally would have liked more "how to" in this book, but you've got to figure out what you're going to do before you do it...that is what this book is geared toward.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding, helpful, fun, informative
Review: I am loving this book. I admit I did not buy it but received it as a housewarming gift. We have decided it is the best gift that we received, because we've already spent many evenings looking through the book together. (I never thought my macho husband would look at a decorating book. But it's not a cutesy, paint-this-and-that book. I knew he was getting into it when he started bookmarking pages.) The color pictures are worth the money all by themselves. Dreamy with lots of variety. I don't want my style dictated to me, and seeing all these different kinds of rooms and furnishings is great. The quiz on finding our own style is fun. We both took it and compared notes. Right now, I'm into the room arranging section, which has gotten me to redo our living room without spending any money at all. All I did was rearrange the furniture and it made the room so much cozier.Now I know what to get friends when they have housewarming parties.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: A bargain. Worth every penny. I'll use this for years. Lots of variety in room styles with easy-to-read text that explains decorating basics so I can do my home in my own personal way. Very empowering. Some decorating books try to get me to do things the author's way, but this book seems based on the idea that readers have smarts, too, and just need help so they can create their own homes. This book is like a respectful and knowledgeable friend.

Rating:
Summary: Great Pictures - Great Ideas
Review: My house is being bull-dozed down and rebuilt. For the first time in my life I will be moving into a BRAND NEW HOUSE. I am ready for BRAND NEW FURNITURE. And BRAND NEW IDEAS. This book along with "Cottage Style" and several others have given me so many ideas with such wonderful pictures that I shall have to build a 500 room mansion. I have literally spent hours pouring through this book. Great pictures and great ideas.. I only wish they would have names of the manufacturers or where you can purchase many of the items. Highly recommend.

Rating:
Summary: A delightful surprise
Review: My daughter's home ec teacher was using this book as a guide in the class's installment on decorating the home. Now I see why. I had thought it was just another pretty picture book, but it's absolutely jam packed with information. It's an easy-to-read textbook on interior design, but unlike a real textbook, this one is illustrated with hundreds of color photos of what look to be real rooms in real houses. This kind of depth of information is what I need to make my own decorating decisions.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book, but not what I was looking for
Review: The book is absolutely beautiful with great color photographs and lots of information. The only thing I would caution against is that the book is mainly focused on traditional/classic and country/cozy type styles. There are a few contemporary designs featured, but anyone who is looking to design their entire house in a contemporary/modern style (think Ikea furniture) may be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: the new decorating book
Review: Gives wide selection of styles and helps you go through a process that will help you end up with a room you will like to live in.

Rating:
Summary: full of relevant information!
Review: This book is very current and full of beautiful pictures. Helpful information on furniture arrangement, the pros/cons of all types of floor coverings, pulling together colors and textures, picture hanging, etc. Would make a great housewarming gift for a young person moving into their first home. Many books on this subject are simply outdated; Not this one!