Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: After getting this book and being very disappointed-it offers nothing new and doesn't do as good a job of explaining design as some other books I have-I realized that all those positive and detailed reviews must have been written by the author or the author's friends. I feel cheated.
Rating: 
Summary: Love the Book!
Review: For the first time in the several years I have been "reading" books on interior design and decorating, Sheila Bridges writes a book I actually took time to read and enjoyed. She is humorous, down to earth, no nonsense, as well as practical. She writes as though she were sitting right there with you developing the client/designer relationship, walking the client through each step guiding and advising you on the simple yet elegant ways to decorate your home. Incorporating beautiful photography while defining the different styles of design such as modernism, eclectic, simple, country, classic,comfortable/casual is a unique touch. Anna Williams is an awesome photographer. As a team the book is dynamic! Sheila'a ability to demonstrate her diverse decorating styles makes her the designer of the century!Great book! Great job to both the author and photographer!
Rating:
Summary: Finally, Practical Advise on Decorating
Review: I just finished Furnishing Forward. Sheila Bridges' advice on decorating is so straight forward and reasonable; she makes a novice decorator feel confident about the daunting task of furnishing a home. I also really liked the way the photos of the home in the book included many Afrocentric touches. Without ever mentioning it, she makes it clear that one can decorate a home expressing one's ethnic heritage without losing sight of the basic elements of design and good taste. Bravo!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: No Frills Advice
Review: I opened Furnishing Forward to the author's advice on dealing with "emotional-attachment" issues between married couples. It might have fended off some nasty arguments if both my wife and I had read it before we crossed swords over a matter as small as which constitutes the ideal trash can. "If compromise can get us out of the Cuban Missile Crisis," writes Bridges, "surely it can get us out of decorating disagreements." There's solid, ever so practical advice like that throughout this truly helpful book.
Rating: 
Summary: Looking for more.....
Review: I've seen many of Sheila's works in magazines so I anxiously bought the book for what I thought would be a more comprehensive analysis, interpretation and implimentation of her style. Instead I found myself reading thoughts and views but no real process to achieving the style. As an apprentice and in the process of implementing what I have learned in my own home, I would not recommend this book as a tool for learning more for understanding a person's views.
Rating:
Summary: Looking for more.....
Review: I've seen many of Sheila's works in magazines so I anxiously bought the book for what I thought would be a more comprehensive analysis, interpretation and implimentation of her style. Instead I found myself reading thoughts and views but no real process to achieving the style. As an apprentice and in the process of implementing what I have learned in my own home, I would not recommend this book as a tool for learning more for understanding a person's views.
Rating:
Summary: Good insight. Great advice. Engaging pictures: What a Book!
Review: Sheila Bridges, the self-described "walking, talking, fabric-wielding designer-decorator-stylist-psychologist-florist-accountant-collection agent publicist-attorney-trucker-analyst with a Stanley Powerlock twenty-five-foot tape measure", obviously knows the business and art of decorating inside and out. Great!-but the clincher is that she is able to convey this immense knowledge in such a straightforward and totally non-intimidating way. Her very use of familiar and enlightening quotations coupled with the witty chapter titles helps comfort the readers yet piques their curiosity with each turn of the page.
Rating: 
Summary: Humourous and Helpful
Review: This is a fun read, and doesn't take too long. GREAT pictures, and a very articulate and educated style. Bridges shares from her wealth of experience and expertise to convince you to furnish your home comfortably and with quality pieces that will last. However, if you're looking for a book to help you learn how to design interiors, go check out Straight Talk about Design by Lynnette Jennings, or something similar. It's a good read, but I wouldn't say it's worth the [money]. If I had it to do again, I'd go to a book club or get it used.
Rating:
Summary: Traditional approach
Review: Very pretty book - but rather tradional taste and style. Not a very thorough guide book - more of a coffee table book.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, Practical Advise on Decorating
Review: What could have been so difficult to do, became an exciting and fun filled time when I followed the wonderful and practical suggestions shared in this beautifully written and illustrated book. Ms Bridges explains in easy to follow language, how best to turn your living space, whether it be a house or an apartment, into a comfortable and delightful home to enjoy with family and friends. When you're ready to express your own special taste in furniture and accessories, and before you toss all the 'old stuff', you will want to read and re-read this book with its splendid ideas. The book is also a 'find' for older folks, 'empty nesters' for example, who may be moving into a smaller space, not knowing what to hold onto and what to purchase for their new lifestyle. I am just beginning my own redecorating, and have saved time and money already by better planning. Buy it! Even after the decorating is done, I know I will enjoy browsing through it and sharing ideas with my friends.
| 
