Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14915 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-28
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Country Living magazine is known for its range of decorating and design books, and this latest volume by Hueston (Country Living's Guide to the Best Flea Markets) focuses on the popular cottage style. Conjuring up images of English chintz, patchwork quilts, slipcovers and easy comfortable living, the style can be applied anywhere, from rooms in New York apartments or California bungalows to coastal retreats and holiday homes. Lavishly illustrated with carefully captioned full-color photographs throughout, the volume is divided into six sections covering the four major living areas (living rooms, kitchens and dining areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms) before concluding with a chapter of quick fixes (an assortment of easy decorating ideas ranging from vintage tablecloths to canning jars as flower vases). Each main area is described, with examples of the cottage feel given and suggestions made for conveying its flavor to fit various scenarios. Scattered throughout are individual pages covering "Quintessential Cottage" ranging from window seats to Dutch doors and cast-iron bed frames that harken to a bygone age. With relatively little text, this slim book relies on the photos and their captions to explain each design element, which it accomplishes with modest success.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

They say you can't judge a Book by it's Cover, but I did.
I knew from the cover this would be a book to indulge
my senses.The small house pictured with a white couch,
with a black embrodiered pillow,centered in the middle
along with a vintage candolier drew me in.

Every page has a treat for the eyes.White panelled
walls,stone walls,and small white beadboard in the
bathroom's.A beautiful blue fabric couch centered in
an old-fashioned three window setting.Simple but
elegant.

It shows some new cottage rooms,some a combination:
Vintage with new,and some with more vintage style.
There is a smorgasbord for every type of decorating,
and true appeal for every age group.Some very talented
designers left their mark in the rooms.

I keep going back to this book for ideas and just
pleasure.It helps me to relax.

Some fascinating finds were the gothic arches for
book storing.Also,the crisp white porches with pillars,
that seem to be making a comeback.Hoorah!
Their were multiple bathroom choices allowing you
a different vision.

The flea market style in this book was above what is
usually associated with the words flea market.
It is used successfully because the objects found have such
potential.

At the end,are shown easy displays to copy if you
are starting out,and don't quite know what to do to
achieve a personal look.

A cottage vacation for the mind
The many photos and ideas in the book are fabulous - anyone who is a cottage decor freak will be transported. My only issue was the drivelling narrative by the author - but don't let it stop you; just plan to skim most of it unless you have insomnia.

A Visiual Treat
This book is full of wonderful pictures and ideas for the cottage look. The pages are not overcrowded or overwhelming. It has become my favorite of the "Cottage Style" design books.