The Domain Book of Intuitive Home Design: How to ... (ISBN 0517707632)

Amazon.com Review:
If you've always liked formal, high-ceilinged rooms with classic period furniture that some would call "stiff," or gravitate to cozy, intimate rooms with an interesting array of travel memorabilia that your neatnik friends might refer to as "clutter," there's a reason. The Domain Book of Intuitive Home Design identifies four basic personality types--the Visionary, the Artisan, the Idealist, and the Adventurer--that correspond to four very different decorating styles. The book begins with a 20-question "Intuitive Personality Quiz" to help readers classify themselves using the four broadly drawn archetypes. Then the fun begins, as a question is posed: "What would you do with a naked sofa?" A basic sofa is shown with an all-out treatment for each personality type: satin pillows and classic flanking end tables for the Visionary; printed cotton pillows, a teddy bear, and an afghan for the Artisan; sleek leather coverings and a bare floor for the Idealist; four contrasting cloth coverings and leopard-print and shag pillows for the Adventurer. Each personality type and its preferences are described in detail, and then a room-by-room section shows how each type can implement a decorating plan that shows off its preferences to advantage. Shopping lists and mini-exercises display an element of playfulness--after all, decorating is supposed to be fun! And the "split personalities" pages at the end help dual types integrate their preferences into an interesting, cohesive whole. If you haven't yet managed to settle into a style that's really right for you, this book will show you how to plan rooms you'll feel comfortable in.

Disappointed:
I guess I must be one of the few people that didn't like this book. The quiz may be simple, but it is not very helpful. I was excited to learn what personality Type I was, but when I looked at the photos, I didn't feel like it fit my design style. I think that only four styles is way too few to encompass the varity that is present in interior decoration. I was also disappointed in a similar book called Yes/No Design. Sometimes, if a book doesn't have very useful tips, but beautiful photos, I might still buy the book. The photos don't save this book from the reject pile. I think that people are much better off choosing their own unique style of interior decoration then trying to have it dictated to them by a quiz. Sometimes, interior decoration is about breaking the rules and going with your own intuition. Recommendation: There are other books that will give you better guidance towards developing your own style. Good luck! Other Resources: The Ultimate Home Style Guide by Katherine Sorrell is the best book on the broadest range of styles that I have seen. Almost all styles are represented here with enough details on colors, fabrics, and other style elements to create the looks yourself. The Architecture and Design Library series are excellent primers on different design styles. Each book focusess on one style, such as eastern style, Arts & Crafts, French Country, and Retro Modern to name just a few. Color in Your Home by T. Evelegh has one of the best primers on how to use color. The photos are beautiful. The style is modern country and/or feminine (but not overdone) color schemes. Color Design File by Geddes-Brown also does a great job of covering the basics, and there are beautiful photos. I like the fact that there are pockets for swatches and magazine inspirations. This book shows primarily Loft style.

Must buy! Why? Simply because it was so inciteful...:
Not only was the "quiz" extremely easy to take, fun to read and quite inciteful but the illustrations, the content and presentation of this book was absolutely an A+ for me. It doesn't matter what level of "expertise" you categorize yourself in with respect to interior design...this book touches everyone at every level. It's also a great gift idea!

The Domain Book of Intuitive Design:
My wife and I have eclectic tatses. Our home consists of a 300+ cookie jar collection all the way through to antique tables, beds and chairs. We have spent many years collecting/decorating, and are constantly seeking opportunities to bridge the gap between our differing design points of view. It is important to us both, that as we personalize each room, and balance is achieved to mesh our combined tastes. Since we entertain frequently, our environment is very important, as we seek to provide warmth and coziness, while at the same time, provoke thoughts of curiosity and of course, smiles. We achieve this through our art, furnishings and use of space, and are actively searching for additions to furnish. The Intuitive Book of Home Design helped us to focus on identifying our unique personalities to ensure that we achieve balance. The test was particularly revealing, not to mention fun. We did find ourselves somewhat on the edge of more then one type, which might explain how the mix of my wife's taste and style, while different then mine, can work well as we developed a greater understanding and appreciation for our unique points of view through our reading. Thanks Judy. Andrew Koven - A satisfied and enlightened Fan

Entertaining:
I liked this book, I ended up giving it away to a friend and I will purchase it again and again. You will be able to share with your group of friends the personality test and understand why you like some stuff and why your friends like other things.

Unique approach to style:
This unique book addresses decorating styles based on personality - the visionary, the artisan, the idealist and the adventurer. It contains quizzes to test your style and then shows examples of each type of room for each of the four styles. I liked the page of each style section that states -"You may be an artisan if ..." and it lists different traits. Also at the end of each style is the alphabet for each style - and it gives buzz words for each style. Very unique and creative; fun to read with good ideas.