Lyn Peterson's Real Life Decorating

Rating:
Summary: If you buy only one decorating book this is the one to buy!
Review: A wonderfully practical book for the decorating challenged (like me). She gives you realistic guidelines for finding a "look" you can actually live with. As the mother of an active boy and a pet owner, I found her advice on fabric and sofas invaluable. She explains things clearly with amusing examples of why sometimes you need to reevaluate what you think you want.

Rating:
Summary: A decorating book with substance
Review: Finally -- a book on decorating that is more than just pretty pictures and impractical advice! This book offers a wealth of information from how to choose a quality sofa to why big screen TVs don't offer the best picture to why older bathroom fixtures may be preferable to new ones. Good job, Ms. Peterson.

Rating:
Summary: a great book for even the novice
Review: I bought this book with the intent of changing some things about my interior decorating and have found it exceptional. I was surprised at the practicability of the book and how I quickly developed a sense of how things work in interior design.

Rating:
Summary: A decorating book with substance
Review: I love this entertaining book. The book is practical, useful, and an excellent resource for the home decorating enthusiast. Ms. Peterson has finally written something that single people, married people, people with children, and grandchildren can completely identify with. The chapter discussing the placement of television in a family room, and the chapters on lighting and window treatments are very helpful. Now I buy the book as gifts for all my friends!

Rating:
Summary: I take this book to bed with me every night!
Review: I love this entertaining book. The book is practical, useful, and an excellent resource for the home decorating enthusiast. Ms. Peterson has finally written something that single people, married people, people with children, and grandchildren can completely identify with. The chapter discussing the placement of television in a family room, and the chapters on lighting and window treatments are very helpful. Now I buy the book as gifts for all my friends!

Rating:
Summary: Somewhat disappointing
Review: I read a review of this book and was intriqued by this author. She is a mother of 4 children and a business owner. I figured there would be great tips on decorating with "real life" budgets. However, I was disappointed to find that many of the suggestions and pictures were "high end." The information on color and fabric was great. However, most of the book is a like a dictionary. Lots of description of furniture and lighting, but not how to arrange it all together in one room. I found that I liked Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers Layers of Design approach. He tells you how to place furniture in the room, where to put your side tables, and how to creatively stretch your budget to achieve the look you want. That is more "real life" to me.

Rating:
Summary: Somewhat disappointing
Review: I read a review of this book and was intriqued by this author. She is a mother of 4 children and a business owner. I figured there would be great tips on decorating with "real life" budgets. However, I was disappointed to find that many of the suggestions and pictures were "high end." The information on color and fabric was great. However, most of the book is a like a dictionary. Lots of description of furniture and lighting, but not how to arrange it all together in one room. I found that I liked Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers Layers of Design approach. He tells you how to place furniture in the room, where to put your side tables, and how to creatively stretch your budget to achieve the look you want. That is more "real life" to me.

Rating:
Summary: great gift
Review: I received this book as a gift recently and have already gotten lots of great ideas. My family will be moving into a '30s home in a few weeks, so I need all the tips I can get. Lyn's style is understandable and livable. The photos are excellent and I really think the ideas are achievable without being too over the top. The color information is helpful for someone who doesn't know where to begin, as well as a professional. I don't agree with all her opinions about where to use or not use certain colors, but she advises without being authoritative! The book is a great housewarming gift or a useful tool for anyone interested in improving their surroundings at home.

Rating:
Summary: Chic, family-friendly decorating advice
Review: I've followed Lyn Peterson's easy-going style in various decorating magazines--and found this great book also has style to spare. I've had it out on our kitchen table for a week; and everyone who wanders through the house picks it up and flips through it. Unlike most pretty-prissy picture books, this one is filled with real ideas from real homes in real life. From kitchens to curtains, the ideas are clearly-explained and practical. Throughout, Peterson's philsophy that family comes first resonates refreshingly loud and clear. She knows how to create a home that works for adults/kids/dogs and looks chic to boot.

Rating:
Summary: The best decorating book to buy!!!
Review: Lyn Peterson gives advice for REAL people, with children, with budgets,etc...I was amazed at how informative this book was, and I've read them all! I think this is a must have for anyone who has ever had a question about: How to pick the right paint color to How to incorporate old and new pieces. Her advice is endless and really works! After reading it myself, I purchased 5 copies to give as housewarming gifts. So far I've given away 2, and my girlfriends said it was their favorite and most used gift by far.