The Pocket Decorator

To all the people on here who are complaining this book is "not what it seems," did you not read the product description? This is an encylcopedia, it says so itself. And it is a good one at that. It's got all the terms, many illustrations, and is a great tool to refer to for quick answers. It's very helpful when learning about the basics. No, it's not going to show you how to decorate your living room--it gives you information for you to do that yourself. There are many many decorating books that have full page glossy pictures of other people's designs. This is not one, nor does it claim to be. This is something to help individuals make educated choices about their OWN styles. It's an extremely good book and shouldn't be judged against things that are not in the same category.

This little book has been a really great asset. The Pocket Decorator is a clear reference book of interior design terms, especially helpful for a decorating hack like myself. It shows things like the difference between styles of windows, which if you're renovating or building OR want to impress your home depot guy, is very useful information to have! There are smart design tips here too. For example, wall mounted lamps should be mounted 42 inches off the floor (Who knew?) and it also tells you how much clearance to allow for ceiling light fixtures over a table. (Like I ever would have even thought to think of this?) Because of this book I now have pink light bulbs in my boudoir. What more could a girl ask for? This book rocks.

I already have a few books that show different ideas, glossy photos of dream houses. But I needed a tool to help me put together MY dream house-- and this is it. It helped me locate the exact finish for the floor, and find the title for the chairs that I saw in one of the other books. Its to help you make your own house exactly how you want it.

My husband and I are just starting renovations on our new house and were given a copy of this book by a decorator friend two weeks ago. It's proven extremely beneficial. It's a visual dictionary of furniture, floors, finishes, etc., broken down into categories with elegant little illustrations. I know the effect I'm after and by leading me to the correct terminology for the details I want this book has already proven its worth in saved money and time. Most books of this sort try to tell you how to design. If that's what you want, this is not the book for you. I like that this one sticks to its brief, uses clear, precise prose and doesn't try to steer you into some pre-packaged "style". Perhaps it's not for those who want hand-holding.

I'm finding this book to be a helpful resource. It's an illustrated dictionary of design terms with some useful decorating ideas as well. It gives a definition of the things listed plus some context such has how you'd use the things or their historical significance. I've been in the process of renovating my house for the past month and have used this book quite a bit in the last week since I've had it--I think for someone who is undertaking a design project, either on their own or with a decorator, this will help. I bought a copy for myself last week and am buying another now to give to a friend. It gives you the vocabulary to ask for what you want.