Elegant Rooms That Work: Fantasy and Function in Interior Design

Thoughtful suggestions on storage and layout. Author really has a gift. However, you just have to ignore the color combos and focus on all the other great information in the book. For an example of the questionable color uses, the author mentions having made chairs look "jazzier with chartreuse and brown striped fabric." Lots of brown and tan rooms. But overall a talented designer and enjoyable book.

As one who enjoys (and buys) numerous books on interiors, I must say that this book is at the top of my list. The rooms are both incredibly elegant but also make one feel that the space is livable. The written word is also not just filler for the pictures, but rather insightful and lessons that can be learned by any novice or veteran. A perfect Christmas gift for those with elevated taste....you will not be disappointed.

The photos are gorgeous, but what makes this book special, is the detailed discussion of why many design decisions were made. It's about making rooms multifunctional and building in storage well before making rooms beautiful. But they are beautiful. Of course, these are big budget rooms. However, the design principles can certainly be adapted to more middle class decorating. Even if your style is different, this is a great resource volume.

Wonderful and talented designer and many of her own personal rooms are beautifully photographed in this lovely coffee table book. Happy to have had the opportunity to also see Stephanie Stokes's apartment in person. The high quality and beautifully shot photos do their very best to do justice to her timeless design that has a current edge while preserving classic elements that will endure.

The book is beautifully presented and photographed and I enjoyed the text, which is unusual in this genre. I would recommend this book to those who love to look at beautiful rooms.

Yes, I would expect a book on interior design to be beautiful. But this book is a masterpiece. The author's design talents ooze out of every page. I especially enjoyed the wonderful blend of colors and the finely crafted, ingenious storage strategies. Thank you, Stephanie Stokes, for sharing your talent with a large audience via this book.

Surprisingly, this is not just a book of pretty pictures. Lots of great ideas. Do not just skim through, if you go slowly you will be rewarded.

I am looking for things less modern, and this fits the bill. I am exploring the needs of my next house in a more classical style. It looks comfortable for living, and I need comfort and beauty.

I love looking at these glossy books and have a few of them. I'm not rich and don't have a flashy apartment but I like the beautiful pictures of elegant stylish homes. I use them to pinch ideas. I don't tend to read all the text - the author of this book is a bit arrogant and of a 'type' 'Oh darling who has time to watch television'. Totally annoying. Just look at the pictures.

Whas not an interesting book, gave it away as soon as I was finished with it. Had no desire in keeping it.

Rarely does one find a book that is both a sensible, practical, 'how to' book as well as being pictorially beautiful.