The Art of Decoration

by Nina Campbell

Nina Campbell introduces her decorating philosophy and suggests ways to implement its basic principles then shares ten decorating challenges she has faced, including redoing a full-blown barional castle. With its lovely full-color photographs and spirited text, The Art of Decoration is sure to become an essential reference for all who are interested in the increasingly popular traditional style. 185 color photos.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517704668
• ISBN13: 9780517704660
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter Publishers
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 2.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 9.9" x 11.4"

Customer Reviews

Very British.Very Classic!

This book first published in 1997, will hold up for a long long time because the classic ideas offered by Nina are quite timeless. Another word (besides "classic") to describe Nina's style of re-decorating is "opulent". The interiors that Nina was asked to remodel were very high end to begin with (eg: the 200 year old estate, or the Gothic mansion, etc), and in order for Nina to balance the architecture and existing furniture, Nina was able to carry out many color coordinated projects. I gave this book 4 out of five stars only because I wish Nina had included some "Before" photos. She does describe the interiors' dilemmas in writing, before she engaged in her decorating projects, but a few photos would have helped the reader to visualize the transitions more appropriately. Also, some of the ideas are over the top for the average home owner, especially in terms of fabric combinations (eg: mixing Tartans with flowers and tiny fabric prints). But all in all this is a book that is worth having in a library, especially if the reader is an actual decorator or architect because Nina is a very famous name in the industry.

Fantastic name drops!!

In addition to the beautifully photographed work, a very enjoyable glimse in Miss Campbells own home and world filled with The Beautiful People.

Gorgeous photographs of elegant homes

I have the English edition of this book (called Nina Campbell on Decorating), same number of pages, same copyright date, identical book size, inside look at how she worked with ten clients, so I believe it is the same book with a different title and cover picture (stuff that is typically altered when a book crosses the Atlantic).The photographs are lovely, showed to their full advantage in this oversized book, accompanied by easy-to-read text that brought me into the dilemmas and solution process for each of the ten houses. Sometimes I disagreed with the results because decorating is a subjective art, but I loved discovering Nina's decorating philosophy. For example, on page 79 she says "Undoubtedly, my client will add paintings as he finds them. A house that is complete from the minute the owner walks in is not an ideal home. In the early stages a room needs to be 'en route,' as it were. You should be able to invite your friends to a party without being embarrassed that it's 'not quite finished."Of course, Nina's comments also give us insight into how a designer works with a client, including some funny episodes such as the time she was confused about which way a painting a client owned should be hung - she thought vertical, and it turned out horizontal was the artist's intention!Nina's style tends toward the formal and elegant, but anyone could learn from her approach to decorating. An enjoyable book to read, I'm looking forward to sharing it with some friends of mine who are designing a home - who could resist a wall of books in the study that is really a door? And her decorating tricks, such as lowering a high ceiling by painting it with a mottled texture, can be used by anyone.

inspired reader who wants to "spread the word"

Equally at home on a living room coffee table or by a bedside, this book offers a welcomed escape for anyone who appreciates english style. It seems that the middle ground between the whimsical cottage style and the grand baronial castle look is often ignored. While I admit that Ms. Campbell definitely illustrates the latter, she also depicts several chapters which this jersey girl has the chance to emulate, i.e. small but stylish, elegance in the miniature. Her text is very informative; however, it is the well over one hundred photographs that will be of great help and inspiration. Reading this book is like commisioning "one of the best" at a true bargain price. A super addition to a collection or a defining starting point, get this book.

Lovely book on design in the Colefax and Fowler tradition

If you love the Colefax and Fowler decorating style, you will love this book. Ms. Campbell gives practical advice on how to make your rooms look elegant but comfortable, and she has a warm style that makes the book a pleasure to read. The color photos are excellent. I already stole an idea: wallpapering a multi-paneled screen to hide a radiator.