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Rating: 
Summary: Lawrence at his best
Review: My previous experience with Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen comes from his presence on BBC America's "Changing Rooms" therefore, I am not familiar with the show upon with this book is based. Never the less, this is truly Lawrence at his best. His creativity and talent come through both in the projects themselves and the great photography. The introduction to each section is well written, giving a history of the specific genre of design (Art Deco, Roman Bath, Egyptian...) as well as Lawrence's personal reactions to the space and the theme (as well as his wit and humor). Each section has brief excerpts from 'experts' in the field, such as an Egyptologist and a mosaic artist that are also useful. While previous experience with DIY is necessary, and as an American, some of the terminology can be tricky, the projects are all things that can be done in a labor-intensive weekend. And while not everyone wants a dining room that looks like an Egyptian tomb, each theme has basic elements that could be applied to any room. Truly a worthwhile read, if for nothing more than to see how Lawrence matches his outfits with each theme.
Rating:
Summary: Lawrence at his best
Review: My previous experience with Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen comes from his presence on BBC America's "Changing Rooms" therefore, I am not familiar with the show upon with this book is based. Never the less, this is truly Lawrence at his best. His creativity and talent come through both in the projects themselves and the great photography. The introduction to each section is well written, giving a history of the specific genre of design (Art Deco, Roman Bath, Egyptian...) as well as Lawrence's personal reactions to the space and the theme (as well as his wit and humor). Each section has brief excerpts from 'experts' in the field, such as an Egyptologist and a mosaic artist that are also useful. While previous experience with DIY is necessary, and as an American, some of the terminology can be tricky, the projects are all things that can be done in a labor-intensive weekend. And while not everyone wants a dining room that looks like an Egyptian tomb, each theme has basic elements that could be applied to any room. Truly a worthwhile read, if for nothing more than to see how Lawrence matches his outfits with each theme.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book - but a little more info from the UK to help you
Review: You may recognise Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen from "Changing Rooms" which I understand has been shown on BBC America. He has done other shows as well which may or may not have been aired in the US yet, namely "Fantasy Rooms" and more recently "Home Front - Inside Out". (Both of these series have books to accompany them.) In "Fantasy Rooms", Laurence creates rooms which draw their themes directly from the passions/lifestyles of his clients. For example, one of my favourites is the Art Nouveau Bedroom in which he takes the client's love of Muchas/Art Nouveau and creates a bedroom to die for! Everything from the headboard on the bed, the subtle stencilling on the wall, to the peacock coloured throw was just perfect - and the book not only shows you gorgeous pictures of the finished rooms, but a bit of how to do it yourself. I would say that they are not quick do-it-in-a-weekend type projects though...(at least not the way I decorate!!) What it should do is give you the inspiration to dump the magnolia walls and make your house reflect your own individuality and style. I can also recommend the newly published "Home-Front Inside Out" in which Laurence teams up with Diarmuid Gavin, with Laurence doing one room inside the house, and Diarmuid doing the garden (Diarmuid is to gardens what Laurence is to interiors and together they are absolute magic!) You must see Diarmuid's mirror-tiled, egg-shaped refrigerator in one of his designs! Incredible! At the moment this is not available at amazon.com, but is available on amazon.co.uk - but keep checking as it has only recently come out in the UK (Nov 2001) and may find its way to the US in the near future.
Rating:
Summary: Great book - but a little more info from the UK to help you
Review: You may recognise Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen from "Changing Rooms" which I understand has been shown on BBC America. He has done other shows as well which may or may not have been aired in the US yet, namely "Fantasy Rooms" and more recently "Home Front - Inside Out". (Both of these series have books to accompany them.) In "Fantasy Rooms", Laurence creates rooms which draw their themes directly from the passions/lifestyles of his clients. For example, one of my favourites is the Art Nouveau Bedroom in which he takes the client's love of Muchas/Art Nouveau and creates a bedroom to die for! Everything from the headboard on the bed, the subtle stencilling on the wall, to the peacock coloured throw was just perfect - and the book not only shows you gorgeous pictures of the finished rooms, but a bit of how to do it yourself. I would say that they are not quick do-it-in-a-weekend type projects though...(at least not the way I decorate!!) What it should do is give you the inspiration to dump the magnolia walls and make your house reflect your own individuality and style. I can also recommend the newly published "Home-Front Inside Out" in which Laurence teams up with Diarmuid Gavin, with Laurence doing one room inside the house, and Diarmuid doing the garden (Diarmuid is to gardens what Laurence is to interiors and together they are absolute magic!) You must see Diarmuid's mirror-tiled, egg-shaped refrigerator in one of his designs! Incredible! At the moment this is not available at amazon.com, but is available on amazon.co.uk - but keep checking as it has only recently come out in the UK (Nov 2001) and may find its way to the US in the near future.
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