Brilliant Book of the Week: uh-oh Domino!

Yay for the new Domino: Book of Decorating!! I bought it for Sarah's birthday and now I want one for moi. Oh well. I can't rave about this book enough.

Check it out!

"Domino: The Book of Decorating," by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro.

First of all, it's hard enough finding decorating books that present their ideas in an organized way. The editors of Domino magazine have done a fabulous job laying this book out by rooms and how to go about decorating spaces no matter how big or small.

I especially love the first chapter because it helps light a fire under your toush. As a design student, our professors always tell us we can't dive right into a project--we have to plan and organize how we are going to execute the big picture. Finding inspiration, deciding your style, determining how the room is used, what items you'll need to keep, drawing a floor plan, planning on a budget, doing research, and last, but not least, starting the room you want to decorate. There's much more to decorating than picking out paint swatches and light fixtures, as you can see.

So, if you'd like to add a book to your library that gives great tips and looks good on your coffee table, then I'd hit the bookstore and get it hot off the press!!

Happy Reading!

Brilliant Book of the Week:

When I'm invited to someone's home for a small dinner party or gathering, I always take a peek at their library if possible. I like to see what people are interested in and what books take up their free time, I think it can tell you alot about them.
Of course, as a good host/hostess, you tell your guests to feel at home in your home so the most important books are the ones you choose for your coffee table--considering these are the most frequently flipped through when waiting for your cocktail. Fret not my friends, I have found yet another fantastic book to add to your coffee table collection!

Check it out!

"The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World" Photography by Alain Le Toquin


What better to have while you are entertaining than a book with GORGEOUS photographs of the most beautiful gardens in the world? From the United States to France, Italy to Japan or Singapore, this book is loaded with potential conversation starters. Cozy villas in Florence, Versailles in the winter, moss covered stairways in Germany, marble windows surrounded by lush, exotic greenery in the Garden of the Surging Waves--just describing them doesn't do the book justice. So it's up to you whether you want to throw Great Expectations, Moby Dick, or Les Miserables on that table...I'd prefer a picture book! ;)

Brilliant Book of the Week:

Hey guys! Sorry it's been so long since I've posted---again! I have found an awesome sustainable living book for you though so I hope that makes up for my tardiness. I'm sure almost everyone is green-ed out by now but it's not a fad that will go away anytime soon. So basically we all have to suck it up and take it. :) Now, this book that I chose happens to have fantastic additions to help any home become more earth friendly. The second I read the first few pages I knew this was a book I had to buy and pass onto my fellow blog readers.

Check it out!

"New Sustainable Homes: Designs for Healthy Living," by James Grayson Trulove.

Take into consideration that this is not a how-to book; it mainly summarizes a few locations that are fully eco hugging homes. Geothermal heating and cooling systems (using heat from underground), clerestory windows (allowing daylighting to occur which cuts down on your electricity bill), triple-glazed windows (meaning three panes of glass seperated by heat absorbing gas), or a storm water retention system (used for irrigation, water reuse for the toilets, and potentially preventing flooding) are only a few of the items this fabulous book mentions. If you like to keep books on hand for random reference or if you really need ideas for your own home, I vote this book in. Hardcore.

Happy Reading!!

Brilliant Book of the Week:

It is official. I have decided to add books worthy for your coffee table. I'm sure everyone has gone through Barnes and Noble's bargain books to find the perfect book and have fallen short of finding it. Eclectorator to the rescue!!

Check it out!

"le Questionnaire de Proust," or (in English) "The Proust Questionnaire," by William C. Carver and Henry-Jean Servat.

This is definitely a book you'll want to invest in. Throw it on your coffee table and let the games begin! The Proust Questionnaire lists a variety of questions, such as "Your idea of happiness," "Your favorite heroine in fiction," "For what fault, have you the most toleration?" "If not yourself who would you be?" Wouldn't you like to know how your friends and family would answer those questions? This book would also be perfect for a new, more hip way to have a guest book at a wedding, or pass it around at a milestone birthday bash. Now go out and buy it--you'll love me for it!

Happy Reading!

Brilliant Book of the Week:

I'm sure everyone has either heard of or dealt with the "green" movement; whether it be buying energy efficient appliances to recycling or even gutting a home and replacing as many items as possible with green products. The following book will help all those eco-friendly, do-gooders do a good job creating an environmentally friendly home.


Check it out!


"The Healthy Home: Workbork" by Kimberly Rider. (Click the title and link to Amazon!)
















I can't tell you how much great information this little 190 page book has! From huge renovations such as changing your bedroom carpet to hardwood, or small projects, like making your own pillows, and quick fixes, adding house plants for air purification, you can convert your whole household into a place that is clean, safe, and friendly to the earth. So shoo away those meanies who'd call you a greenie--they're not the ones with "The Healthy Home!"

Happy Reading!!

Brilliant Book of the Week:

Let's admit it. Animals have become an important part of our society. Not only are they considered a great accessory but they've always been man's (and woman's!) best friend. This book is for anyone who has a pet and would like to make their home a little more comfortable for their furry companions yet offer a space that is inviting and not so pet store-ish.

Check it out!

"Animal House Style" by Julia Szabo.

This is an excellent resource for anyone with any pet. It's annoying having to use those tacky scratching posts for your cat, instead go out and purchase a raffia or jute rug with a lot of texture, that way your cat will be happy and your room will have a natural design element. Get an old foot stool or low table at a yard sale, cut large enough holes to hold two bowls with a lip, paint or stain it to match your decor and you've got yourself a stylish new accessory and a happy pet! I'm telling you, this book is definitely worth the purchase. Take my word for it.



Happy reading!!

Brilliant Book of the Week:

Are you tired of your husband bumping you into your oven while taking out the roast for dinner? How about having your dishwasher five feet away from the sink? Of course, no one really thinks about functionality until after they have battled their kitchen only to discover that the builder had no idea what he was doing when he was constructing it. Now, don't blame the builder. Instead, take on a new perception towards your kitchen. You can make it the dream kitchen you've always wanted, the only question is how.

Check it out!

"The Kitchen Planner: Hundreds of Great Ideas for your New Kitchen" by Suzanne Ardley.


This is a spiral-bound, 112 paged book. From assessing your space and usage, kitchen style and planning, surfaces and finishes, to equipment, and quick fixes--you will have a plethora of choices. It even has static cling kitchen templates to build your kitchen in plan view on the inside of the front cover. How awesome is that? I do have to warn you though; you're going to need a lot of post-it notes to remember all the cool ideas you'll want to use for your new kitchen!

Happy reading!!

Brilliant Book of the Week:

This next book is for everyone who has trouble with color. Let's face it; we ALL have trouble more often than not. Out of all the books out there telling you what goes with what- I have found your color bible!

Check it out! "Color for Interior Design" By Ethel Rompilla.




So here's the scoop: The book is divided into three sections- the history of color, color theory and meaning, and the application of color in an interior. Each segment is essential in understanding and using color. Now this isn't a picture book! So you have to commit time to read and scribble some notes. After that you will be left with so many ideas and inspirations you'll run to the paint store tomorrow to start working on your fire engine red kitchen!

Happy reading!!

Brilliant Book of the Week:

I chose this book for the city dwellers and the tight squeeze space savers. What a fabulous guide for anyone with a small space!

Check it out!
"Living Large in Small Spaces: Expressing Personal Style in 100 to 1,000 Square Feet" by Marisa Bartolucci. Have you moved into an apartment that was meant to be a butler pantry? No worries. This book lends a hand finding the little hiding places and giving creative ideas you can use in your limited space; from ceiling beds on pulley systems to moveable wall partitions. Detailed pictures and layouts help clarify what each person did in their living space. Using your new brilliant book, you'll be able to prove that each inch of space can be used no matter what!

Happy reading!

Brilliant Book of the Week:

Get your weekly dose of style reading with my Brilliant Book of the Week! Out of the millions of books on the market it can be quite a task deciding between The Best of Martha Stewart Living: How to Decorate and Barnes and Noble's decor bargain books. This weekly posting will help you pick out the best of the best, leaving you with great ideas and (eventually) a beautiful home!


Check it out!
"Styles: Compendium of Interior," written by Francois Baudot.

Not only are the pictures and history excellent but the fact that it was more informative than my History of Interiors textbook at school left me awe-struck. This 432 page book breaks down the history of interior decor from the Medieval era to the twentieth century. This great piece of literature can help place that odd chair sitting in the garage from great Aunt Petunia. Also, it's great for themed decorating--displaying over 250 illustrations to reference. So after using this brilliant book, you'll have knowledge that will knock your neighbors socks off!

Happy reading!!