Living Large in Small Spaces: Expressing Personal Style in 100 to 1,000 Square Feet 
asked by bigwinner on November 6, 2006 1:19 PM
With a little imagination and creativity--and without hiring a professional--almost anyone can transform a small living space into a comfortable and stylish environment. Whether decorating a dorm room, an apartment, or a little cottage, what we strive for is a look and feel that expresses our individual personalities. Part style guide, part idea sourcebook, this handy volume--designed to meet the needs of real people with real budgets--is packed with smart ideas, basic design principles, and enough inspiration to get you off the sofa to make it happen.
In her lively, informative text, design guru Marisa Bartolucci takes readers inside 33 small homes from cities across the U.S. to reveal how a strong sense of style--rather than design know-how or unlimited resources--is the most effective tool for transforming an ordinary cramped living space into a smart yet functional private sanctuary.
Reviews
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I really like it that the floorplan for each place is included.
These really are small places, unlike some books that seem to think 2500 sq feet is small. Lots of New York City apartments but a sprinkling of other places. The stories about how each place evolved are interesting.
Most but not all of the places have had some major money spent on them, such as moving or constructing walls or special builtin furniture. But it gives lots of ideas even if you don't have that kind of money to spend right now. I love the diverse collection of spaces shown. The smallest ones are at the beginning of the book and by the time you reach the 800 sq ft places, they almost look like palaces by comparison.
For me the biggest drawback is that a too many of these places are second homes or the home of people who work in the city but also have a (larger) country place for weekends where they stash stuff or pay bills ...
These really are small places, unlike some books that seem to think 2500 sq feet is small. Lots of New York City apartments but a sprinkling of other places. The stories about how each place evolved are interesting.
Most but not all of the places have had some major money spent on them, such as moving or constructing walls or special builtin furniture. But it gives lots of ideas even if you don't have that kind of money to spend right now. I love the diverse collection of spaces shown. The smallest ones are at the beginning of the book and by the time you reach the 800 sq ft places, they almost look like palaces by comparison.
For me the biggest drawback is that a too many of these places are second homes or the home of people who work in the city but also have a (larger) country place for weekends where they stash stuff or pay bills ...
reviewed by bestseller on November 9, 2006 3:49 PM
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Seriously, the book is beautifully photographed and the rooms are very well designed if you like rooms where no one actually has to LIVE...
I think from an purists' point of view, this is a great study of design but if you are looking for a book to give you actual, usable ideas for re-designing your condo space - get a different book. I regret buying it as I was looking for more than a visually stunning coffee table book (which it definitely qualifies as). I was looking for realistic design ideas.
Each of the spaces looks like no one has or ever COULD live in them.
But, if you have tons of money and no personal possessions, this might give you some useable ideas.
I think from an purists' point of view, this is a great study of design but if you are looking for a book to give you actual, usable ideas for re-designing your condo space - get a different book. I regret buying it as I was looking for more than a visually stunning coffee table book (which it definitely qualifies as). I was looking for realistic design ideas.
Each of the spaces looks like no one has or ever COULD live in them.
But, if you have tons of money and no personal possessions, this might give you some useable ideas.
reviewed by crick on November 27, 2006 4:53 PM
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Perhaps it's my misunderstanding of the purpose of this book. or the implication of the title. In sum, it's stuffed with pretty pictures of overdecorated spaces - and nothing, & I mean N-O-T-H-I-N-G remotely useful for utilizing small spaces.
I thought I was purchasing a book on interior design, instead, it's strictly interior decoration - & more often than not - embarrassingly self-conscience decoration at that. A complete & utter waste of money for anyone researching small space design solutions.
I thought I was purchasing a book on interior design, instead, it's strictly interior decoration - & more often than not - embarrassingly self-conscience decoration at that. A complete & utter waste of money for anyone researching small space design solutions.
reviewed by aries on November 28, 2006 6:34 AM
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I love, love, love this book. I'm anticipating moving into a small condo and have bought about two dozen decorating books for small spaces recently and this is the best of all. I've had many disappointments after opening an eagerly-anticipated title and finding the scope and photographs of the book just don't deliver. This is the one book I return to again and again. If the title interests you, I'd strongly urge you to buy it!
reviewed by theriver on November 29, 2006 5:15 PM