I love this book. When I got it- I read it cover to cover. It is beautifully written and a delightful informative read. Since I initially read it, however, I have referred to it many times. If you need to know how to hang a chandelier, solve storage problems, and a million things you only think of when the issue comes up - you can use the very helpful index in the back and find the information needed. For those who love Garden and English Country styles. This is a must have for your library. This is the most useful book I have ever purchased.

J'ai pu consulter ce livre qui est d'une richesse iconographique sympathique.

I found this book to be very educational. It is also very thought provoking. Learn to view your rooms and decorating practices with new insights. As always Alexandra's writing grabs you, stimulates you, and soothes you at the same time.

I got this book for a present for myself at Christmas and have not once regretted it. The author's conversational style makes you feel as if she's giving you a private consultation. I don't always find myself agreeing with her self-confessed tastes, but she's always clear about what are her tastes and what kinds of alternate styles are available. Stoddard tells you what cornice moldings are, what types go with what styles, what features of design are the most basic, what the general pricing ranges are for the various style motifs and details, and what the advantages and disadvantages of various design features are. The first part of the book provides prompts for analyzing your own style so that you can read the book in that context.

I keep this book by my bedside and read it a little each night, letting her advice soak into my subconscious, and then during the day, look around my house and think "hmm, I could put a molding here...a white tiling pattern there...." and yet I have not spent any money yet. Great way to start decorating!

Good details for the do-it-yourself decorator and if you hire one, you'll be a more informed consumer!