Friday, October 10, 2008

Domino The Book Of Decorating - My Two Cents Worth

Domino The Book Of Decorating: How To Become Your Own Decorator
Domino Magazine came on the scene in 2005 just three short years ago. It melded fashion and decor and immediately energized the shelter magazine market, appealing to 20 to 40 year olds, and finding an even wider Baby Boom audience. Its hip and refreshing "how to" attitude to creating your own pretty decor soundly resonated.
Even the professional designers presented had a homey approach using revamped flea market finds, big box store items, and their own personal products.
It provided a "power to the people" approach. Everyone can shop at a flea market, Target, CB2, or eBay, etc. The message is: Everyone has access to a happy looking and pretty home.
Domino The Book Of Decorating is written by the magazine's editors, and it continues the grass roots philosophy of the magazine, using their own homes and thought processes and sources as examples.
The book is written is a fun and breezy manner, and it reminds me of another book: Decorating Is Fun! by Dorothy Draper. This 1939 (!) classic has recently been reissued, and it's enduring advice is timeless and current. I think DTBOD has the same appeal and chance to become a classic of it's time (and possibly a candidate for a nostalgic re-issue 50 years from now).
The book is published without a dust jacket, a compact volume, very beefy and satisfying in the hand. It reminds me of a text book, and indeed it could be considered as such for anyone who loves decor, whether you are the home decorator, layman, or professional.
So do buy this enjoyable book, and get happy being your own decorator!
If you are lucky enough to be able to hire a professional (and please do!), this book will help you understand the nuts and bolts of decorating, and allow you be a proactive participant in this fun and exciting process.
Chapter opener and furniture illustrations By James Noel Smith from Domino The Book Of Decorating.

8 comments:

Carla said...

This book looks like heaven, I love those illustrations. Is the entire book like that? Carla x

Visual Vamp said...

Hi Carla,
The book is like heaven indeed! The book is 266 pages long, and packed with photos and drawings on nearly every page.
It's a bargain at amazon.com, around $20. I think you can order it from me via a widget in the right margin.
I'm going to do a follow-up post on James Noel Smith in the next couple of days, so stay tuned!
xo xo

hello gorgeous said...

I can't wait for it. Although I'm still waiting for the October issue which is unavailable in all of Delaware! Also, I was told yesterday Barnes & Noble wouldn't be stocking it any longer which made me worried...

Pascale said...

C'est très intéressant de voir les illustration des décorateurs.
Merci de les partager avec nous.

Pascale

pve design said...

These are wonderful and I am longing to get a book deal or do a series of these for a decorator.
Went to the "House Proud" exhibit yesterday at the Cooper Hewitt in NY - wonderful interior watercolors.
Thank-you for sharing these.

SERENDIPITY said...

I guess I'll add that book to my list .. I've been thinking of it for a while .. it seems worths it indeed :D

72 and sunny said...

this is the first 'real' review i've read. love those illustrations. that's enough right there to go out and snag a copy.

Joanna Goddard said...

he is so fab, i love him!!