first, if you're partial to classic, traditional design that's +also+ modern and fresh, without any fustiness, the rooms in this book will appeal to you mightily. there's a decided "rich" feel to them.

regardless, there are many emulateable aspects of these rooms, that, while they might not be spelled out explicitly, are visible enough to be a good guide so that one can replicate the look of these rooms even if one doesn't reside in an english manor home or have 22-foot ceilings.

the lavish and enthusiastic use of textiles, the adventurous use of color (all schemes, dark, light, saturated, blended, traditional, "modern"), the mixing of old pieces with new, displaying art, etc. -- this book is a great visual signpost.

the text is excellent as well, but for folks who are beginner designers or who aren't good (yet) at seeing a fantastic pic and duplicating it, this might just be a fantasy setting volume.

for those who are used to seeing a lot of pics of decorated rooms, and can easily pluck ideas from them, this book is a trove of great ideas terrifically presented.

an extra bonus is one of the first (if not the first, i cannot remember) chapters -- devoted entirely to canopy beds. i have one, and i've found no other book that has given me as many ideas as to how to drape/furnish it.

don't overlook the back of the book!!

this section is called "decoration in detail" (or something similar). in it are sets of smaller pictures that are grouped according to a theme -- mantlepieces, windows, collections, etc. that take issues that are common to just about any interior and offer an at-a-glance view of various approaches that address a variety of styles.

one of my favorite volumes -- for its usefulness, its artistry, its practicality and its fantasy.

thank you, leonie (the editor). :)


Boring  Sep 28, 2011 By J. Reuter
I love decorating books, and loved the old House and Garden magazine, so expected to love this. Unfortunately, all the rooms look alike, just the colors change, so its boring, boring, boring.


The House & Garden Book of Bedrooms and Bathrooms  May 30, 2011 By Stanley Carey
This book became my best friend and idea source when doing a bedroom from the beginning. It had the most beautiful rooms and ideas of any of the books I used as sources. It is a book I will keep.


perfect english country style book  Feb 14, 2010 By Flavia Romana C.
very beautifull book in the House & Garden style .
with a lots of ideas for classic english style. ....and the book was in perfect conditions.....good job Amazon !!!!

Flavia Romana C. (sorry for my english but I'm italian )