Nell Hill's Style at Home

Well, I AM older!! Mary's book is now the NUMBER ONE book in my decorating library! I have amassed quite a collection of books on the subject of decorting, but not a one is as inspiring as this one. I follow Mary's belief of 'there are no rules when decorating, just things you love'. Her rooms are 'not just another pretty face', but rooms you can live in, while also enjoying the 'scenery'.

Style is personal, I understand that. I recently purchased a copy of Style at Home while visiting Atchison, KS. I was not expecting a store like Nell Hill's in a town of 10,000. It is true that the book does not give the full picture, but it does give some interesting ways to look at the way a home and its furnishings are setup. The book urges the reader to use things in new and interesting ways while not throwing out the history and the style of the things you have. It does not surprise me that some designers may not like this book, it puts some great tools in the hands of the people who would probably be paying them. If you ever get a chance, beat a path to Nell Hill's and check out the hospitality that is evident in the pictures that are displayed in this lovely book. And by the way, I am not old, I am 25! Mary Carol, keep up the good work!

In preparation for our move into a larger pre-war New York apartment, I have pored through countless decorating books, only to walk away feeling as if I hadn't learned anything I didn't know already. This book, however, is completely different. Every page is full of amazing and completely do-able ideas. The rooms are decorated exactly the way I would have done, had I the imagination and creativity that Nell Hill obviously possesses in such abundance. I fully admit that I plan on adopting many of the decorating ideas in this book into my new home, and most importantly, I finally feel inspired! This is a fantastic book for anyone who loves traditional furnishings and has a desire to surround themselves with beauty every day. And as a final note: In response to those who deemed the book to "old" or not sufficiently urbane- I'm 30 and live in Manhattan, and I, for one, adore this book!

Nell Hill's in Atchison, Kansas is a great store. But Mary Carol Garrity's book goes a step further and - with beautiful photographs and descriptive text - tells you exactly how you can take the things you already own and love and create a fabulous style. This is pretty enough for a coffee table book and practical enough to pull out and use. There are no unattainable "Martha Stewart"-like crafts or projects. Nell Hill's Style at Home is a great self-purchase or gift.