House In My Head

Rating:
Summary: How to build a home
Review: After many years of running across this book in used bookstores, I finally purchased a copy thinking it was a college textbook. I was pleasantly surprized that it was one woman's thought process on how to make life better for her family. Finally, after looking at the black and white photos and reading most of the book, I was able to pick up that this was the wife of one of that famous duo.

It's a bit dated, but if 1950's to 1960's is your thing, then it's well captured.It would be nice to see a recent photo of this house as it stands today with landscaping grown up; to see if it was stood the time as a good piece of architecture. As for me it was the whole process she went through that was the most important; the design was secondary.

And for the good hostess, there are some menus and recipes tucked into the back for the ultimate in American-Continental cuisine from Dorothy's own cookbooks. It's a slice of history!

Rating:
Summary: A House that works
Review: I am fascinated with houses that enhance living and have compiled my own notes on what facilitates people spending time together. Dorothy Rodgers not only built her dream house but takes us along for the entire journey. While her lifestyle is of a different time, one that includes help and bold prints, her message is very educational and timeless. This gracious lady was "Martha Stewart" before the current version.

Rating:
Summary: a timeless statement of a truly sophisticated,personal home
Review: Many years ago (1967)I discovered this fascinating "journal" of the "concept to realization" of Dorothy Rodger's dream home in Connecticut (she was the wife of Richard Rodgers's of Rodgers and Hammerstein fame). It is a heartwarming personal story of her quest to find the "perfect" home in the country for herself, her family and friends. It is filled with thoughtful anecdotes of her experience of making her dream become a reality. It is personal,sophisticated and reflective of a woman of great charm and style. Dorothy Rodgers had the genius of combining contemporary and tradition elements successfully quite ahead of her time.

In 1976 I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book as a gift from her when I wrote to ask her if she had any copies I could purchase as it was out of print. It is one of my prized possessions. It has formed some of the core concepts of my personal architectural and decorating "life" for the past 30 years! It is THAT classic in my view. Since then I found a copy at a garage sale and have given it as a gift. I would value other copies to do the same!

Rating:
Summary: Dorothy's Dream House
Review: This was the very first book I ever read on interior design, and what a fascination it was! I checked it out of the library and renewed and renewed it for as long as the law and the library allowed. I thought about it again recently and wondered if I would have the same enthusiasm 35 years later.

A short answer is "yes!" Mrs. Rodgers built a country house to her specifications in 1965. "The House in My Head" is an informal diary of her thoughts and the construction of this "perfect house." The author recounts her lists, her "must-haves," and the triumphs and failures of that tumultuous year.

The reader must keep in mind that Mrs. Rodgers (wife of composer Richard) had some very specific needs that might not include everyone. She was accustomed to lavish entertaining and frequent houseguests. Is it "dated"? Yes and no. Her taste in furnishings is classic so the decoration is never faddish. However, a few things look a little stodgy, and I doubt if she were building today, she would put so much emphasis on a swimming pool. Perhaps they were more of a novelty in the Northeast then. Her floor plan is model of well-planned use, and she has many tips that are invaluable. It is daunting to learn that a perfectionist such as Dorothy Rogers could run into foul ups and disasters just like the average human when building her own home.

An excellent addition to any library and a must for those interested in the history of interior design.

-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

Rating:
Summary: Dorothy's Dream House
Review: This was the very first book I ever read on interior design, and what a fascination it was! I checked it out of the library and renewed and renewed it for as long as the law and the library allowed. I thought about it again recently and wondered if I would have the same enthusiasm 35 years later.

A short answer is "yes!" Mrs. Rodgers built a country house to her specifications in 1965. "The House in My Head" is an informal diary of her thoughts and the construction of this "perfect house." The author recounts her lists, her "must-haves," and the triumphs and failures of that tumultuous year.

The reader must keep in mind that Mrs. Rodgers (wife of composer Richard) had some very specific needs that might not include everyone. She was accustomed to lavish entertaining and frequent houseguests. Is it "dated"? Yes and no. Her taste in furnishings is classic so the decoration is never faddish. However, a few things look a little stodgy, and I doubt if she were building today, she would put so much emphasis on a swimming pool. Perhaps they were more of a novelty in the Northeast then. Her floor plan is model of well-planned use, and she has many tips that are invaluable. It is daunting to learn that a perfectionist such as Dorothy Rogers could run into foul ups and disasters just like the average human when building her own home.

An excellent addition to any library and a must for those interested in the history of interior design.

-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer