Architecture & Design Library: Townhouses

Step inside some of the most elegant and architecturally significant houses anywhere, and walk away with imaginative ideas for decorating your own home. Lovingly restored Greenwich Village brownstones, Victorian "Painted Lady" row houses, and the other memorable town houses presented here exhibit a wealth of design details inside and out. Striking photographs and illuminating text illustrate an abundance of formal and relaxed styles, ranging from traditional Federal style living rooms and elegant Victorian libraries to minimalist kitchens and country-style baths. Learn from these narrow interiors how to maximize the sense of space and light any home. And, explore secret gardens hidden away on rooftops, terraces, and balconies, where nature and inspired design conspire to create perfect havens for relaxing or entertaining. Whether you live in a town house yourself or you simply want to discover more about town house décor, this lavish, photo-driven book will open countless doors.
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Reviewed with Lisa Jill Schlang's Eastern Spirit.In a surprisingly inexpensive review of different styles and building types, the Architecture & Library^B series is authored by well-credentialed home-decor editors who know how to present themes and illustrated tips. The latest two additions to a growing collection spotlight town houses and the Eastern influence in much the same way. Introductions for both scope out the history of the form--a centuries-long love affair with all things natural for Asian peoples and a back-to-the-twelfth-century European legacy for town houses. From there, pictures dominate, accompanied by captions that more than adequately explain the design intent. Exteriors come first, contrasting a plethora of architecture in narrowly constructed homes versus a harmony with nature in Japan and China. Then interiors are covered. Occasional printing mishaps mar the color presentation, but readers will find it easy to pry for ideas and hints. Barbara Jacobs
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