Creating a Beautiful Hom

This book does contain some useful advice, on counter/desk/shelving heights, lighting placement and the like. However, there is no index, so none of it is easy to refer back to. Stoddard doesn't give many options to the reader. For example, she suggests painting your home exterior white with green shutters, like she did. As long as you want to create a replica of her home, you will like this book.

My husband and I have recently purchased our first home. After looking at many interior decorating books and many many pictures, I've found that this book has inspired me more than any other and there are no pictures! (Except a few drawings.) This book really gets you to appreciate what you have and not what you don't have. I think most design books show photos of houses that obviously cost a fortune and were decorated/designed by a proffesional. Not much help really when you live in the typical suburban split level. We think our house is great and this book has helped me to focus on what's great about it and enhance those features. If you need inspiration and some solid ideas (the grace notes are terrific) I'd highly recommend this book. I initially got mine from the library, but I will definitely be buying a copy of my own.

I purchased this book, several years ago, when it was first published. I have re-read it at least 30 times. The reader will find inspiration for decorating ideas, from the smallest thing such as placing your mouthwash in a lovely glass decanter, to inspirational ideas such as treating yourself to weekly flowers, just having a fresh arrangement to look at each week. It is an excellent gift idea, and I would highly recommend anyone to take a look at her other books as well, for your own library or a lovely gift for a special someone who has everything! You won't be sorry!

I have owned this book for about 6 years now and my enjoyment grows with every reading. Alexandra Stoddard beautifully relates thoughts on decorating one's home. The advice she gives however; has provided me with an unexpected bonus. I truly look at life differently now. I have experienced beautiful moments of grace that come during everyday tasks. Ms. Stoddard's writing has deeply touched me. I'm so much more excited about life. And she has inspired me to action in my decorating and I'm enjoying it immensely. I recommend this book because I've never read a decorating book with such heart before. In my opinion, Ms. Stoddard speaks from her heart and in turn has warmed mine. I hope others enjoy this lovely book as much as I have.

I enjoyed almost every minute I spent reading this book. It is full of tips on how to make each room of your house more useful and personal. The only drawback, too many blatant plugs for sponsors products, got easy to ingnore after a few chapters.