Bringing Tuscany Home: Sensuous Style From the Heart of ... (ISBN 0767917464)

Visually inspiring...:
Mayes's poetic assemblage of words, captures your attention from the moment you open this book. Accompanied with luscious visualization, her words even further embrace the art of Italian living. The colors and textures of the country melt upon the pages of this book, as Frances's emotional connection with the folks of the sun drenched terrain and their joyful heritage and love for family and food, are celebrated in this work. I purchased this book along with another Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint and was amazed at the similarities of these two books. Though completely different writing styles, Mayes's book "descibes the essence" of Italian lifestyle, while Heuser's actually "captures the rich color and artistic spirit" of the Tuscan home. Both authors suggests unique ways to recreate the warmth and beauty of the Tuscan country home into your personal life - Heuser's "Your Home..." is an actual how to book, giving the reader over 30 step by step, well illustrated projects on how to easily achieve the timeless old-world atmosphere. Like the Italian inspired murals painted in Mayes's home, Heuser shares the secrets to creating "period" styled finishes and mural detailing throughout every room in your home. Both lovely books are accompanied with unbelivable art photography, with Heuser's packed with unimaginable before during and after shots illustrating the transformation of a 1890's historic home into an Italian paradise. I highly reccomend both of these titles, "especially "if you are seeking interior inspiration for creating the authentic Tuscan look and feel in your home decorating!

How can a Frances Mayes book be anything but fabulous??:
Francis Mayes does such an incredible job of bringing Tuscany to the rest of the world. This book includes fun recipes and beautiful photos...a joy to read! --Vicki Landes, author of "Europe for the Senses - A Photographic Journal"

Eclectic Book About Tuscany -- Not Just A Decorating Book:
If you purchase Bringing Tuscany Home: Sensuous Style From the Heart of Italy, know ahead of time that it does not focus on decorating, as the title would tend to communicate. It is much broader than that with attention to the people, food (including 25 recipes), wine, plus some pictures of interiors and gardens. It was not what I was expecting, but is a book that I have come to apprecaite more over time.

Love this book!!!!:
Gives me a glimse of the kind of life in Italy, I have always have wanted to experience.

For all Italian food & design lovers!:
I read this book first, as I have all Frances Mayes books, from the library. Wanting the great ideas and recipes at close-hand, I purchased this as well as her others. I used many suggestions on my trip last Fall to Italy.