Zen Style : Balance And Simplicity For Your Home

Rating:
Summary: ironies of zen style books
Review: As a Japanese who practices zen style, I always find a strong irony about any Zen style related interior books. They appear to encourage readers to purchase Zen style things, while an essense of Zen style is to get rid of things you do not use and become completely parsimonious. It is an aesthetic of absolute deduction. That's it. This book might give you some "visual" sence of what zen approach is suppose to be like, but only thing you will learn is "you need to throw things away or put them back into the storage. Do not buy any clutters. Do not buy anything excessively colorful or decrative." In short, "Do not decorate." Zen style is actually very easy to practice, and one does not need to study a lot.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, well written and easily utilized.
Review: I was pleased to find a book on utilizing the Zen/Oriental influence for personal decorating ideas on a budget. Ms. Tidbury writes beautifully and her points are clear and easy to follow, and has directed her work for the lay person in applying the Zen principle. I look forward to seeing more books from her.

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Summary: Makes a Zen lifestyle obtainable
Review: The natural colors and textures of the book make it not only a joy to behold but also read. I enjoyed this book so much, and will be making the wonderful bamboo fountain (instructions are in the book) sometime soon!

Rating:
Summary: Stunning grasp of the obvious
Review: This book displays a stunning grasp of the obvious. Beyond its plans for some not very interesting do-it-yourself projects, it offers little--trite advice like "Spending time alone with yourself is an important feature of reflection" accompanied by an unsatisfying collection of photos. Books like The Japanese House, Simply Zen, and Japanese Style do a much better job of presenting the Zen aesthetic.

Rating:
Summary: Stunning grasp of the obvious
Review: This book displays a stunning grasp of the obvious. Beyond its plans for some not very interesting do-it-yourself projects, it offers little--trite advice like "Spending time alone with yourself is an important feature of reflection" accompanied by an unsatisfying collection of photos. Books like The Japanese House, Simply Zen, and Japanese Style do a much better job of presenting the Zen aesthetic.

Rating:
Summary: Zen Style: Balance and Simpilicity for Your Home
Review: This book is excellent! Jane Tidbury teaches you how to create those special looks for your own home, even if you live in a very ordinary house that has no special architectural features. It is easy to follow because she doesn't get too technical, and she even guides you through some simple projects you can do that would create a significant impact on your place.

Rating:
Summary: Easy, relaxing read
Review: This is a great introductory book to the art of Zen living. Although it seems that the word "Zen" has become more and more of a catch phrase, I still must say I enjoy the concepts and ideas that have branched off of it.
This book has great pictures and illustrations of very interesting and different spaces. As well, my favourite part, it has helpful "how-to's" ... tables, pillows, curtains.. and my personal favourite.. the wall stripe!
Give it a try. I borrowed mine from the library and I'm planning to order it online tonite!

Rating:
Summary: Easy, relaxing read
Review: This is a great introductory book to the art of Zen living. Although it seems that the word "Zen" has become more and more of a catch phrase, I still must say I enjoy the concepts and ideas that have branched off of it.
This book has great pictures and illustrations of very interesting and different spaces. As well, my favourite part, it has helpful "how-to's" ... tables, pillows, curtains.. and my personal favourite.. the wall stripe!
Give it a try. I borrowed mine from the library and I'm planning to order it online tonite!

Rating:
Summary: Just what we needed!
Review: We bought this book hoping to get both some useful specific ideas and general good perspective on decorating our new home. This book gave us both. The author gives specific instructions for implementing many of the best ideas (like attractive linen room dividers) and includes helpful commentary among enlightening pictures on how to apply the principles to your own situation. Well done!