Holiday reading

No doubt you've all been busy this holiday season and perhaps, like me, you still have some names on your shopping list that have not been checked off. Before heading to the mall for one more frantic attempt at finding the perfect present, consider a gift that the home enthusiast will enjoy again and again: a design book. Whether house proud or house poor (after all, dreaming doesn't cost a thing) one of this season's hot design tomes is guaranteed to please. I've reviewed five home décor books and given each volume a rating of 1 LOF (1 log on fire, e.g. this is a fast read) to 5 LOF (put 5 logs on the fire you'll be reading for a good long time), based on how many hours enjoyment the book will provide. Pick one up for yourself while you're out, pour yourself a tall glass of eggnog and enjoy.

Choosing Colors, Kevin McCloud, publisher Watson-Guptill Publications New York $38.46
The premise behind Choosing Colors sounds promising: "to provide a well-researched reference work that would be a useful working tool for the designer, decorator, homeowner, student, architect, craftsperson, artist and anybody who gets fired up by the emotional power of color". Unfortunately, Kevin McCloud's colour references may be well-researched, but ultimately they fail to provide much direction to homeowners simply in search of the right colour for the living room. Despite 700 colours and 64 palettes, unless you are a serious student or professional decorator this book's layout is daunting and may not deliver what do-it-yourself decorators are looking for. On the plus side, each of the paint colour chips is identified with one of several major paint brands, so if you do find the perfect colour it's easy to capture.
1 LOF

Mediterranean Style, Catherine Haig, publisher Abbeville Press Publishers $45.50
A décor book that marries armchair travel with affordable do-it-yourself projects may be ideal for that hard-to-buy-for friend. Mediterranean Style explores the legendary colours, architectural treasures, cuisine and wine of this evocative region - from Tuscany and Provence, to Marrakech and the Greek Islands. Its strength lies in pinpointing specific colour palettes such as Provencal, Greek, and African colours which can easily be adapted for use here at home. Those academically inclined will appreciate learning more about traditional motifs and patterns that are indigenous to various regions. Destination decorators (homeowners inclined to recreate a mood or feeling back home) will enjoy simple projects ranging from plaster wall treatments to DIY mosaic side tables. An hour or two spent with Catherine Haig's Mediterranean Style will warm you with inspired ideas.
2 LOF

The House to Ourselves: Reinventing home once the kids are grown, Todd Lawson and Tom Connor, publisher The Taunton Press $34.26
According to authors Lawson and Connor, empty nesters represent one of the fastest growing groups in North America today. Yet their homes, the majority designed to accommodate visiting children, grand children and guests are far from empty. Unlike previous generations, this dynamic group sees life beyond age sixty as a continuation of adventure and learning and though many retire earlier than their parents did, they are more likely to pursue passions, hobbies, and even new careers into their sixties, seventies, and beyond. The House to Ourselves delivers a captivating and inspirational look at this new generation of consumers - well-traveled, money to spend, and the wisdom to build homes that are not merely showplaces but rather practical living environments. Gorgeous wide shots and detailed snapshots capture single-level living, open floor plans, flexible spaces, specialty rooms such as studios and craft rooms, as well as low-maintenance landscapes. This is a must read for the forty-something crowd. In fact, The House to Ourselves is so well-executed it's bound to leave you dreaming of and planning for the future you've always imagined.
3 LOF

Influential Styles, Judith Miller, publisher Georgetown Publications $31.50
With more than 89 books to her credit, this best-selling author is probably most well known as the Miller behind Miller's Antiques Price Guides - essential reading for serious collectors. However, I have come to rely on Judith Miller for books on design which are soundly researched, beautifully photographed, and satisfying on a variety of levels; Influential Styles does not disappoint. Miller provides the reader, professional designer and layman, with instructive insight into today's most respected traditional styles. For example, beginning with the classic period of 14th century Italian Renaissance, the author chronicles the most enduring reinterpretations. Design variations which were initially fueled by archaeological discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii in Italy and resulted in 18th century neoclassicism. Chapters follow a continuum through neoclassicism, country styles, and into modern design beginning in the 1920's with the Bauhaus and including today's popular retro looks of the 1960's and 70's. An enjoyable read that will have you seated by the fire for hours and hours.
4 LOF

Hallways, Corridors, & Staircases, Leslie Geddes-Brown, publisher Ryland Peters & Small $37.10
Hallways, Corridors, & Staircases tackles the no-man's-land of spaces I call the "non-rooms"; the series of service areas that gives access to a home's main rooms. Author Geddes-Brown promises readers advice which will help them develop the decorative and practical potential of every corner of the house and she delivers. Though rarely the focus of design magazines, these secondary spaces are crucial for establishing the look and feel of a home. For example, the foyer or entrance hall is the introduction to all that follows and the stairs are the single element that holds the building together, floor by floor. Corridors, hallways, and landings can provide much needed storage and living spaces. What I view as an added bonus and the reason Hallways, Corridors & Staircases rates so highly, in my opinion, is these settings inadvertently provide myriad ideas for decorating other rooms and in fact, the whole house. A great read, beautifully illustrated with large photographs, and full of practical design ideas. This is a book you'll return to over and over.
5 LOF