Design Rules: The Insider's Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator

by Elaine Griffin

Book Overview

Recipient of the Gold Medal in the Living Now Awards-Home Improvement The essential do-it-yourself guide from one of the top designers in the country that uncovers the secret home design rules used by the pros Many design books are filled with lavish photography of perfect rooms that most of us can only dream of re-creating. Without any practical advice, the look is unattainable. That's where Design Rules comes in. Here, Elaine Griffin, one of the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592405061
• ISBN13: 9781592405060
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.5" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A real book for real people

I've been into design for quite awhile and I have even done some rooms for friends and family, but reading most books and taken classes is technical to sit through at times. I read through this book at lightning speed and after about 10 pages I was finally able to design my living room so it was comfortable and pleasing to look at. I love this book and will be handing out copies to friends. Thanks Elaine for making the task of creating easy and painless. Though I will say I could use more pictures throughout for better explanation.

Perfect guide for a room makeover (or two) on a budget!

I just completed remodeling my kitchen and bath and this book made me feel like I had a designer offering me tips along the way! I was on a tight budget and found a contractor who only charged me labor but I had to buy all my own materials. It seemed like a good idea at first, as I already had found some floor tiles and cabinets at an auction that I wanted installed, but then came the countertops, back splash, sink, lighting, fixtures, etc. and I started to panic. I saw a review about this book and ordered it right away. I only read the chapters on Kitchens and Bathrooms at first and found them to be super helpful. I ran out to buy more tiles to emulate a pattern I saw in the book. I also used it to help pick out a back splash material and storage solutions that I would otherwise never have thought of, and I was able to get my granite countertops for super cheap because I was confident enough with my homework to go directly to a wholesaler and explain the thickness and edging I wanted like a pro! For those trying to do more with less this book is extremely helpful to use a reference when you have a vision but need a little help executing it. My remodeling came out on budget, but took a few extra days because I opted to do a little more than planned after reading the book (extra shelving and painting). I've also rearranged my living room and am now attempting to decoupage a sturdy, but ugly bookcase that I had originally planned to replace. Thanks, girlfriend!!!

Back to the Basics...and Beyond

What I love most about Elaine's book is that she teaches. Most decor books are all about "showy" interior pics and aspiration-al living that most people can't live up to. But Elaine's book teaches us how to work with what we have and how to love it. To me that's what a good decor book is all about.

Love it!

I am loving this book! It makes decorating so easy and simple. I actually like that the design layouts are sketches and blueprints because then its easier to imagine your own style in the space. I am not bothered by her "flavored" speech...its not over the top in my opinion, just sprinkled throughout. It does help make it a little more fun, and not so technical. However, she does NOT skimp on the technical details...she gives measurements and ratios for EVERYTHING under the sun. I will definitely be taking this along with me before I buy furniture again. If you are decorating for the first time, this is a GREAT book to purchase!

FABULOUS!

Reading this book is like having a super, savvy, stylish and funny friend personally guide you through the mysteries of the design world. It is a must-buy for anyone planning to make any purchases for their homes and a wonderful gift. The sound, sensible advice applies to everything from a one-room studio to a mansion. Brava!