More Book Reviews and Suggestions

by Charlotte
(Website Editor)

Some more book reviews and book suggestions...

Book on the basics of furniture design

What are the basics of furniture designs or from where or which book we can get information on furniture design?

................

Comment
By Charlotte
30 April 2012

Hello Shah

Thank you for your question. I don't cover furniture design as a separate topic on this website.

However, the book I would recommend is 'Furniture Design' by Jim Postell.

This is a good all-round book, covering lots of areas of furniture design, and should give you a good understanding.

It covers:
-history
-design
-function and use
-structure and form
-materials
-professional practice

Hope that helps.

Do let me know how you get on with it.

Best wishes

Charlotte

---

More interior design textbooks

More interior design book suggestions and reviews

---

If this book interests you, please support my website by using the link on this page to buy.

The price to you is always the same, but I will earn a small commission.

This allows me to continue to provide you with the information on this website, all for free.

Thanks for your continued support :)

The Colour Scheme Sourcebook by Anna Starmer

by Charlotte
(Yorkshire, UK)

The Colour Scheme Sourcebook - Learn How to Combine Colours to Achieve the Look You Desire

I initially borrowed this book from the local library, but I actually ended up purchasing a copy. It is, like it says, a Sourcebook for different colour schemes.

The color schemes are arranged in color themes, such as reds, blues, yellows, greens, greys etc, even 'neutrals'. And within each of these sections are really original and interesting color suggestions and combinations, for all types of different looks and styles.

It is a great inspiration for any kind of color scheme or room theme you might want. Especially if you're a little short of ideas, or color-combining confidence.

Each featured scheme has a short written description, suggesting how it might be used best. I have found it incredible useful - mainly just for inspiration and ideas for interesting and unusual decorating color schemes.

I am sure that you won't be disappointed or short of color inspiration, if you buy this book.



I do tend to use it in conjunction with my color wheel, to create color schemes that will definitely work. Where I think it has the advantage over just a color wheel is that it shows you how to use a more subtle blend of shades, tints and tones, which can be quite difficult to get right with just a color wheel.

It also really helps by showing you the base color (your main color) in a large proportion, and then a couple of main accents (secondary colors) in smaller amounts, and then 2 more colors for minor accents and accessories.

It also gives you a little write-up for where to use each color, the kind of rooms and schemes that each decorating color scheme would look good in!

There's a particularly nice section for livening up neutrals (creams, greys, whites, taupes etc) with both bright, and more subtle accents, depending on the kind of look you actually want to go for.

I'm sure that there must be a color scheme for every room, every personality and every style in here - use this and I'm positive you can't go wrong!

A great book, and a real must have for me! Highly recommended!

Charlotte

UPDATE - a new version of the book is now available (published August 2012) - see below:




..........

Comment
By Ginny

Jan 11 2009

Thank you Charlotte

That book looks very interesting, and I have spent some time wondering if there was a book like this that could give me some ideas and inspiration.

It looks good so I think I'll give it a try.

Thanks :o) x

..........

Comment
By vandana J Kuusinen

10 Feb 2010

Thanks for great ideas and inspiration

I will definitely like to buy this book !

Help With Decorative Styles?

by Deb
(Australia)

Hi Charlotte

I'm a new student in Interior Design and Decorating and I've been trolling the internet for days now trying to research decorative styles.

In doing this, I came across your website and have enjoyed reading through it, however I do need more detailed info on individual styles.

Are you able to point me in the right direction to find more info on decorative styles?

I would really appreciate any help you can give me, and would definitely order books via your website link.

Cheers,
Deb

Charlotte's Reply:


Hi Deb

Thanks for your enquiry - and your kind comments about my site.

I've included a few book ideas that I hope will help you here - from the first which I think, as a student, will be your most useful, comprehensive and definitive choice, to a specifically period (historic) style book and some with more contemporary styled, inspirational ideas for anyone interested in restyling their home...

This is the definitive book on interior design styles - and as a student of interior design I think you'll find it extremely useful - a real core text. It's got loads of historical and period styles, but it also goes right through to contemporary styles.

This isn't the most up-to-date version of the book that I could find - but it was the most reasonably priced. I think the Amazon page links you through to the newer versions if this is what you want though...

This is another very comprehensive book for concentrating on period (historical) styles...





For ideas for more modern and contemporary styles, many general interior design, style and 'coffee table' type books will have lots of ideas, also many interior design and home style magazines will have up to the minute trends and different style looks, to give you inspiration.

One useful book with info about different styles and lots of lovely pics is this...






Another you may like is this, gathered from past issues of 'Domino' Magazine - lots of pics, different style ideas and decorating inspiration...





Hope these can help you with what you are looking for.

Good luck with your interior design course.

If any of the books recommended on this page interest you, please support my website by using the links on this page to buy, although there is, of course, no obligation to do so.

The price to you is always the same, but I will earn a small commission.

This allows me to continue to provide you with the information on this website, all for free.

Thanks for your continued support :)

Best wishes

Charlotte :)

Interior Design Textbooks - Handywoman's Workbook - Bridget Bodoano

by Nancy
(Liverpool, UK)

I recently bought this book cheap from a DIY store. From the title, I must confess I was expecting it to be a bit naff - full of overly pink, simplified guides about how to hang a picture, or hammer a nail, or suchlike...!

Although this book does cover such simplicities, it does cover a comprehensive range of DIY hints and tips, including tiling, plugs and sockets, curtains, floors, pipes, plumbing, lighting and even cleaning tips.

It was not written in a patronising or condescending manner at all, but was written in a very straightforward, clear and concise style - that was very easy to understand and to follow.

The book is only quite small, but it is full of all the basics you seem to need. I have referred to it lots of times since I got it, and I am sure I will continue to do so. I would definitely recommend buying this!



Charlotte's Reply:

Thanks Nancy, for your review.

That certainly does look a useful book - anything with clear and concise instructions is alright by me. Think I will get myself a copy to help with my DIY and decorating projects - can't hurt can it!

And wishing you good luck and fun with all your decorating projects too - it sounds like you have got a few on the go at the moment...!

History of Interior Design Books

by Deborah
(United States)

Hi, I teach interior design and am looking for a textbook with the history of decorative arts (furniture), color and textiles.

Can you help?

Charlotte's Reply:

Hi Deborah

Thanks for contacting me.

I don't have a specific book to recommend, but some of these interior design text books may be suitable for your needs.

I've tried to include quite a selection, from general interior design history, and histories more specific to furniture and textiles, for specialist knowledge...

...also some different price ranges, so hopefully you can find one/some that suits your requirements....

I hope some of these will be what you are looking for, and can help with your courses.

If any of the books recommended on this page interest you, please support my website by using the links on this page to buy, although there is, of course, no obligation to do so.

The price to you is always the same, but I will earn a small commission.

This allows me to continue to provide you with the information on this website, all for free.

Thanks for your continued support :)

Best wishes

Charlotte :)

Curtain Design Books in Nigeria

Where to buy books on curtain designs with illustrations in Nigeria .

Charlotte's Reply:

Hi

I'm from the UK, so don't know specific Nigerian companies, but I recommend ordering online from Amazon, who deliver internationally, and who do deliver to Nigeria.

Take a look at some of my recommended window treatment books on my window treatment book page, here...

Depending on what you want the book for, there are all kinds of recommendations and suggestions here, for sewing your own, photo inspiration, and some really good curtain design sketch books, which you might find helpful.

Hope this helps you find your perfect curtain design book.

Best wishes

Charlotte

Click here for the window treatment book page