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34 of 34 found the following review helpful:
 simple, uncomplicated home living Aug 24, 2000
By bookhound99
I'm in the process of simplifying and optimizing my home's living quarters. I have to admit that I get depressed after looking at other decorating books - for instance, where rooms have dreamy coordinating wallpaper, border, paint & fabrics. This is a decorating book that doesn't stress me out wishing I had a particular piece of furniture or a million dollars. It's the projects themselves that remind you don't need to have to go and buy expensive things around the world. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can pick up items from the local home or fabric warehouse and keep it simple. I'd like to make the folding screen (p. 98) from lightweight boards, hinges and casters. I may cover them with fabric instead of paint. But I'll probably start with the linen pillowcases (p. 130) simply because I've got the materials for it. Notice that all the rooms are quite simple. The living room has a couch, a couple of chairs, some nesting tables. period. The projects are "light bulbs" that go on and make us remark: "why didn't I think of that?" OR: "that's what I am aiming for."
33 of 35 found the following review helpful:
 Some good ideas but I can't get past the expensive furniture Jun 10, 2000
This book is a compilation of projects from the magazine and TV show. The pictures are very nice and the projects could produce some beautiful results. But if you are looking for quick decorating ideas, then this book isn't for you. There are some simple projects here, but many of them are complicated.One pro is the lengthy source information (including prices) which is organized by page number. However many of the "companies" are listed more than once and only the first listing gives the address and phone. Subsequent listings have the words "see above" written after the company name. How inconvenient to thumb through six pages of small print for a phone number! Adding an alphabetical listing of all sources seems like a no-brainer. One more thing while you are thumbing through the source guide - notice that the sofa on page 18 can be had for a mere $8,870. If you want to spend that much money for something to sit on, why not pay somebody to make your lampshades for you?
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
 Interesting, practical ideas Apr 05, 2004
This book is the follow-on to "How to Decorate," Martha's first book. This book concentrates on the small details: how to display pictures, how to arrange your collections, and so on. The introductory chapter on how to display pictures and photographs is particularly good, giving ideas (complete with beautiful photographs) on how to display pictures and explaining principles such as where to place pictures, how to arrange them, and why certain arrangements of pictures work in certain places and not others. The book emphasizes Martha's trademark, which is finding inexpensive but beautiful pieces at garage sales, refinishing them, and adapting them to new uses. Many of the ideas she presents, such as refinishing an old footstool and turning it into a stereo stand, are practical and attractive.
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
Too much an "easy buck/taking the lazy way out" kind of book Apr 17, 1999
It would only be fair to say at the outset that this is not so much a review as it is a caution. If you regularly read Martha Stewart, or even watch her, you'll find this book, like her other book "Great Parties", simply a regurgitation of the things her staff have put together for her magazines or shows over the years. If you, like me, have already spent enormous amounts of money on all her previous magazines, this book will leave you feeling, well, cheated. It would be a lot cheaper for you to go through your old Martha Stewart Living magazines, cut out everything you like, and compile them into one big collection. I've come to the conclusion that that's what these books of hers are about.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Another winner by Martha Jan 16, 2004
In the long line of excellently crafted books, Decorating Details qualifies as very useful, quality speaks highly for Martha. Detailed photos on top quality paper, have become a mainstay with her books. The book covers pictures, tables & stools, lamps & shades, shelves, screens & mirrors, and pillows & throws. Each section has detailed instructions, for making in making lamp shades there are detailed photos, as well as, written instructions for drafting, decorating, and making a lamp shade. Decorating Details give simple and easy ideas for decorating any space.
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