‘Design Rules’ Book Review & GIVEAWAY
November 17, 2009
Several weeks ago, Gotham Books sent me an advance copy of Design Rules: An Insider’s Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator, written by Elaine Griffin, an interior decorating specialist, and also rated one of the country’s top 100 designers by House Beautiful. I was delighted to be included among the group of bloggers that were given copies of this text.
Perhaps you’ve read a few of these reviews, like my friend Lindsay over at Living with Lindsay who wrote an incredibly insightful review, as did the marvelous Kimm at Reinvented. Once I read their reviews, I simply had to read Elaine’s book cover to cover for myself ! I’m so glad I finally did, because I carried away dozens of helpful tips and tricks. And now I get to giveaway a copy of this text to one of you !
Elaine breaks down what seems an intimidating science into simple, manageable, easy techniques for getting a designer look without actually paying for a professional. She offers us all some very helpful tools to do it ourselves, like the proper scale and proportion of furniture, as well as many rules of thumb used by designers. This charming and seasoned author and designer is sharing her knowledge so that her readers can truly decorate their homes themselves. As an avid DIYer, this completely appeals to me.
When we all admire the best designed spaces, what is it we notice time and again? Take a look at this living room space designed by Elaine, and notice how several of her practical tips are incorporated.
The furniture is pulled away from the walls, floated in the middle of the room and anchored on an area rug, yet it still allows for proper flow of traffic. There is a mixture of wood tones, and the clever use of the versatile console table, with its perfectly paired candlestick lamps. The furniture is not upholstered in all the same fabric (a big design no no), rather there is a medley of complimentary textures and patterns in the fabric choices. An upholstered ottoman serves the same purpose as a coffee table, completing the look with a practical tray, some flowers, and hardcover books.
In the bathroom, Elaine makes these observations. Stylish bathrooms often use field tile to add wainscot to the walls that ends about 48” above the floor. A guaranteed chic design even with simple white tile is when it’s installed in an offset pattern. And when it comes to bathroom fixtures, it is perfectly okay, in fact encouraged, to be ‘matchy matchy’ with your faucet finishes.
This book breaks down many of the tricks of the design trade room by room.
Are you struggling with how to create a foyer where there is none, or how to fill your entryway with stylish yet practical furnishings?
Do you long for tips on how to to display art in an interesting way ?
Have you ever wondered where and how to install proper lighting, whether it should be overhead, direct or indirect, task or decorative?
Want the skinny on proper proportion for coffee tables, end tables, sofa tables, and just about any piece of furniture ?
Then you will value this book. And if you want it all shared in a casual and laid back presentation, complete with plenty of honeys, darlings, and sugars, then you’ll appreciate Elaine’s informal writing style, and feel like this Southern gal’s best friend in no time. You can pick up your very own copy of the book right here.
For your chance to win a free copy of Elaine’s book Design Rules: An Insider’s Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator, simply leave a comment.
Giveaway ends Sunday November 22, 2009, at 8 p.m. PST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org, and forwarded your own personal copy by Gotham Books.
All images via ElaineGriffin.com
Tags: book review
getting ready to redecorate my living room and remodel my kitchen, could use some professional assistance from a book like this.
I need this book!
Man, I could really use that book! I hope I win!
This book would be great.
It looks like a great book!
I NEED this book! My house needs major help :)
Would love a copy of this book! Thanks!
I’d love a copy of the book!
I am so decorationally challenged. I need the help!
wow…looks like a wonderful book!!!
I have heard so much about this book and would love to have a copy!
I first became familiar with Elaine Griffin through an article that showcased her efforts to design a “Safe House” for battered women and their children. Clearly, if I know nothing about Elaine Griffin, I do know that she has a heart for people in difficult situations. She did a Fabulo-tastic job!!! I imagine that the residents were uplifted by such a beautiful environment. I would absolutely love to win her book and learn new priniciples to continue the never ending process of transforming my home.
i’d love to win!! I’m also going to add this book to my amazon wish list!
Looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win.
Julia
Count me in!
Oh, I need that soooooo bad!
This book looks awesome.
Thank you, again, for all these awesome opportunities’
Colleen
We built our new house, so since we got to pick everything out I thought making it “home” would be easy. Wrong, I so need help & would love to win this book! Thanks for the opportunity, I enjoy all the inspiration from your blog too.
This book looks great! I could use some help redoing my bedroom.
I’d love to win a copy of this book! Everyone raves!
I have read other reviews of this book as well and it sounds awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m always on the hunt for some design books for inspiration. I refer to the Domino book and The Home Book regularly, I’d love to add this to my library.
I’m In!
Thanks for the info on the book, helpful, since I never win anything! :)
Can’t wait to find out all the rules!!
Love this decorating book. Lots of information here.
Oh, I could so use this!
this sounds like a valuable tool… I can use all the helpful tips and hints I can get, I can imagine making the most of her insight and skills!
I don’t always follow the rules, but it would sure be nice to know which ones I am breaking. :-)
I would love to get my hands on this book!
Just moved into a new home, starting over. This book would be such a help!
This book would help with decorating our new house!
I LOVE this book and could really use this copy of it. I cannot wait to find out all the rules!
awesome…I could use all the help I can get!
I would love this book!! And I am enjoying your blog!
I would love to have this book. I need all the help I can get with decorating this house.
This looks like it would be so helpful! I need all the help I can get!
NOBODY needs that book more than me. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love your blog! Thanks for sharing your style with us!
This sound like a wonderful book and I could use the help.
Pick me! Pick me! The book looks great :)
Yes…I would love to have this book!
If I don’t win this I am going to buy it!
I love/need/depend on/yearning for/counting on winning this lovely book!
I keep hearing about this book and the way you described it really makes me want to give it a look!
Sounds like something I need! Thanks :)
Your creativity is really inspiring and you have great ideas!! I think the book will be a helpful resource in decorating our home.
Yes indeedy…I would love a peek at that book! Thanks for the opportunity!
I need this book—I want but really need it. Help!
Pick me, Pick me! I’m about to have awhole new house to decorate!