“If you can put together an outfit, you’re already overqualified to decorate a room,” believes Emmy Award–winning Christopher Lowell. Now he’s back with his proven Seven Layers of Design system to bring readers a lively blend of design theory and hands-on advice for fearless, fabulous decorating.
Christopher Lowell’s Seven Layers of Design solves decorating dilemmas by encouraging readers to look at a room piece by piece, layer by layer, from the floor up. With his humor, wit, and charm, Lowell breaks down the Seven Layers of Design to lay the groundwork for simple, yet stunning, home design.
Each chapter of Christopher Lowell’s Seven Layers of Design walks you through room makeovers with easy step-by-step projects; dramatic before, during, and after photographs; and useful sidebars that make decorating simple, fun, and rewarding.
•Learn why you should never paint a ceiling white.
•Create fabulous fakes using paint and plywood.
•Increase the value of your home with architectural detail.
Date Published 3/8/2005
Ratings
Rated By: "autumnseer"
From: Winter Haven, FL
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Comments: Destined to be a Decorating Classic For fans and non-fans alike of his Emmy award winning show, this decorating book instructs you in 7 basic steps how to correctly decorate any style of room. Lavishly photographed and well put together to be understood clearly, you'll not be sorry to have made such a purchase. It will surely be used repeatedly as a reference. I really loved this book!
Christopher has a unique way of combining style on a budget, but most importantly he understands the creative process that many of us wish to unleash in ourselves. Your creative juices will flow just browsing through the pages. Highly recommended for everyone. YOU CAN DO IT!!
Rated By: Donna Ransdell
From: Madison, MS
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Comments: A must have for the do it yourself decorator I have watched his shows for years on the Discovery Channel and I'm thrilled he has put it in a book. I love how he takes you from the design concept to the finished room, most books show you the finished design and you have to guess how they got there.
Rated By: Mike
From: Rochester, NY
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Comments: Christopher is AMAZING and so is his book! Of course we all love Christopher, but I'm not praising his book just because I think he's fabulous. His book provides us with hands-on material we can read and re-read until we completely understand. The book explains each of the 7 layers of design and makes it sooooo simple to decorate an entire room. He also has instructions for projects and they're so easy to understand. You'll love the chaise lounge in the back! The book is written the way christopher talks. It's fun, and easy to understand. He even gives you a list of basics to have in your "tool box"! If you're planning on re-decorating a room this book is essential!
Rated By: Mervyn Passanante
From: USA
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Comments: A little restraint please Don't get carried away with Lowell's ideas. He's fun to watch on TV but be careful of the taste level, which isn't always high. His work seems to come from the school of clutter, because he leaves no surfaces untouched. Everything is "decorated" and loaded with too much color, pattern, froufrou and too many objects. Take some of his good ideas but use a little restraint and be a little less theatrical when doing your own home. Once in awhile, it's nice to leave a little breathing room.
Rated By: Tim j Mccabe "TimoCobra"
From: Mission Viejo, CA
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Comments: Christopher does it again! This book is nothing but AWESOME! From the minute it came in the mail, I ripped open the box and got out my post it notes to reference pages I liked. By the time I memorized this book practically I have so many post it notes sticking out of it it's ridiculous. I want to do something off every page practically. I love how easy the book is to read, and logical he is about talking about each step. You can be a pro (or at least look like one) by just following his steps. They totally make sense and you can't screw it up if you follow the plan. I'm ready to gut the entire house and start from Step 1. Christopher is the man! You really can do it!
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: A disaster Advocating that homeowners leave no surface untouched, this book can have disastrous results unless you really know what you are doing. It's clear on Christopher Lowell's delightful TV show that he takes a theatrical approach to design and advocates that most people take things further than they probably should. One quote in the book says, "Painting a ceiling white is like spreading a bed sheet above your head. Boring." Such blanket statements are not necessarily true in terms of good design, yet readers who don't know much about design may, in fact, take that as gospel. This TV personality is doing much to get us all to relax about decorating, which is a good thing.But I agree with the earlier reviewer who said that the taste level is "questionable." With modern design and Asian-influenced design influencing us and with so much talk about paring down and making our lives simpler and our homes more serene, Lowell's admonitions to do what amounts to busying things up makes little sense. So, enjoy the TV show for what it is -- pure entertainment -- but do not TRY his tacky ideas at home.
Rated By: Laura M. Brodniak
From: Kirkland, WA
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Comments: Sensible (yes!) and achievable.. Christopher Lowell is not the king of restraint, as anyone who watches his TV show knows. However, in many ways this flamboyant personality has gelled home decoration to a series of simple and affordable "layers" which make decorating a snap -- and will probably save you a ton of money in mistakes.
There are lots of examples of various decorating styles and colors...and options I wouldn't have thought of for built-ins and flexible pieces.
This is not a book for those prefering a minimalist approach to decorating ... although if that describes you, you may still find it useful to apply some of the "layers", but go easy on fabric and accessories. Some of the color palettes are particularly intriguing, and there's a line of paint available with truly fabulous shades.
Rated By: M. Pass
From: MN
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Comments: Love the show, not the book I am a fan of Christopher Lowell's TV show, because it is such fun to watch. The book makes me realize that he's fun on TV but probably not a great design authority. The rooms he would have us create are too-too. Looking at my friends' homes and at my own, what I see is that we have too much darned stuff. And we talk about needing to clean up the clutter and simplify our surroundings so that we can relax. Mr.Lowell seems to want us to add something everywhere we look. I guess I am looking for something more sophisticated than what this book can teach me. One thing that scares me is how many of my less-than-talented friends are going to use this book as a license to junk up their homes.
Rated By: Caroline P. Hampton
From: Columbus, Ohio
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Comments: It's FULL of wonderful tips and ideas! Decorating Man, Christopher Lowell has hit a home-run with his new book, "7 Layers of Design: Fearless, Fabulous Decorating." This "how-to" decorating book is full of wonderful photography (before, during and after a project) and great ideas for any room in a house. He covers all the basis with style, spark and creativity. I found his style to be very modern (but, not too modern. I.E. silver, and black lacquer) hip and full of spaces that everyone would LOVE. His work is simple but, still very impressive. I really think that the "average" person could re-create many of the elements that Lowell introduces. I found myself really drawn to his color choices, design elements, and creative touch. It's a great book for someone looking to add a lot of spark and polish to a room. Great resource!
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Save your money.. If you've ever watched his television show, you've already heard everything the book has to offer. If you're looking for something fresh and new, this isn't it.
Rated By: jackie@interiorsnw.com
From: Beaverton, OR
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Comments: Christopher at his best If you don't hire an Interior Design consultant, buy this book. Christopher walks you through decorating a room step by step, from painting the walls to arranging the accessories.
You'll also find lots of ideas for building your own GREAT looking funiture. No experience needed.
Don't miss this book
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Not enough information I found that Mr. Lowell did not explain enogh about why he was suggesting his various projects and ideas. Without understanding that, I either have to apply the ideas exactly as he shows them or look elsewhere for background information on decorating that will help me understand the principles of design. As an attorney, I am used to working with that kind of logic. Give me a conclusion or an idea and then explain how you arrived at it. It's the knowing of how one has arrived at the idea that allows others to learn from it. As I see it, this book is all about simply applying this or that idea (and applying lots of "decorating" to surfaces, from walls to windows) without understanding how one arrives at a decision to do so.
Rated By: LynnZ.
From: California
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Comments: A Road Map to decorating success I am a big fan of Christopher Lowell and generally like the decorating solutions he comes up with. Granted, many of them are not my lifestyle and not what I could live with, but I can appreciate the thought and talent behind each project. Since his background is theatrical, one would expect a degree of the theatrical in his style - sleight of hand, smoke & mirrors, dramatic touches - is what makes him so much fun to watch. Think of the book as a road map that shows you how to get to your destination - a successfully decorated room. By breaking any project into seven clear and logical steps, what might otherwise be a daunting task becomes a relatively painless process. I'd suggest this book to anyone based on the Seven Layers alone. The only real fault with the book is that it isn't long enough!
Rated By: "kangarex"
From: Keokuk, IA
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Comments: A good guide, just use your own taste Christopher Lowell does an excellent job of showing a series of logical steps to decorating a room. Yes his own personal taste is very "busy", but no single person has taste that appeals to everyone. If you prefer pastels to saturated color, or few decorations to many, there's nothing in this book to stop you, or even discourage you. No matter your goal (and only you can choose that) this book will take you through the steps to get your room looking the way you want it, from the walls and floor, to the plants and lighting. It's equally applicable to a Victorian living room or a Colonial bedroom, or a Japanese style office (all rooms in my house). I highly recommend it.
Rated By: Andrea Campbell
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
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Comments: "Love that!" This book is the result of workshops taught by Lowell and his disciplines in a dreamy area of Ohio, Chagrin Falls. Crafty Lowell captured the decorating essence of some 3,000 graduates of his classes, preserving the student's talents and successes and putting that energy into a medium for disbursal, documentary footage. And, thus, the enterprise Christopher Lowell was born, and christened through the hit television program of the same name on the Discovery Channel.
This book is about selective stylings based on seven basic design decor layers. The photography is good, Christopher's personality shines through in the copy, but again, it is narrow in project choice and relies on basic information. I was impressed with the kitchen revamp.
Rated By: "wingingit"
From: Unavailable
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Comments: I only wish there was more At first look, I thought the book was just a repeat of the show. But when I actually sat down to read it..I realized he goes into more of the detail I have always wanted on the show! I have small children, so merchandising above windows & cabinets is something I can do! I just read some of the previous reviews & am not certain if they have really READ the book or SEEN the show. He is always commenting on the Art of restraint & how a lot of little stuff just looks like clutter! I was intrigued about his web site after reading the book. I found that it too has details on how to do certain projects. He has so many ideas that his book is already due for a sequel! By the way, I just love the picture in the introduction! He looks so serious & so unlike the funny guy he is now. He looks maybe twenty-two=)
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Disappointing I love Christopher Lowell's TV show, but this book leaves much to be desired. Considering its size and price, it doesn't have that much in it. He takes one room or project and stretches it out instead of showing more projects or variations on the theme. It's more like a long magazine article than a book.
Rated By: Ruth Walther
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Great Steps and Examples This book is very well organized, he gives you the "overall" approach to think about decorating. He also gives you lots of pictures, and samples of how paint/fabrics/furniture come together to make a room. If you can't change everything at once, you can work parts of the plan and come back for more later. Sometimes his show has been a little bit too "budget" for my tastes- but what I appreciate about Christopher Lowell is his willingness transform a space (for interior design or temporary table decoration) with bold color and a sense of fun. He makes change affordable/accessible at any level.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Remember you can do it! Christopher's show, not just the book are FABULOUS. He doesn't stumble with words, he's creative, savvy, and has great hair! Alot of the (beautiful) pictures are recognizable from the show, but he takes it all into detail and explains why, not just how. Christopher graces alot of the pages with his cheerful grin and well planned projects and tips. Definitely a must for anybody that loves the show! We save all that money on our decor and we can buy his book (AND treat ourselves later), love that!
Rated By: Susan G. Hodge
From: La Canada, CA
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Comments: Fun, colorful, full of ideas! My favorite thing about Christopher's book lies in the reading... the words are conversational and sound just like his informal, friendly tone used on his TV program. The advice is sound; even readers who find Christopher's style a bit "much" will find that the basic principles of layering can be adapted to their own personal style. I've learned LOTS about lighting, the use of color, storage solutions, and ways to turn a plain, boxy room into something special. There's a good chance that I will never actually build any of the projects illustrated in the book; however, there's no reason at all that I can't show the photos to a skilled handyman! A fun, worthwhile addition to your decorating collection!
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Great for Christopher fans This book is basically a detailed version of Christopher's new season of shows. It takes each room he does on the show, and explains the "how tos," to creating his signature style. The photography is beautiful and the copy is done in Chris' upbeat conversational tone. The drawback to this book is that it does not discuss styles other than the "Christopher Lowell" style - if you watch the show, you know that almost every room he does has a certain look about it - dark colors, highly decorated, lots of fabric, etc. That said, if you like the show, you'll love this book. The bathroom redo and the child's room were stand outs.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Lowell's Own Style I like Christopher Lowell's show in general. He has a very destinctive style, and that is what is very apparent in this book. If you love his style you will love his book. But, if you are looking for a book that will help you define your personal style, and help you to create a home that reflects "you" don't buy this book. Try, Lynn Peterson's Real Life Decorating, or Decorating for Dummies, or Eclectic Living by Bari Lynn.
Rated By: Alix Leonard
From: LA, CA
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Comments: Limited in number of ideas and range of styles Like too many decorating books on the market right now, this book seems more about this author's own style than about how the readers can find and carry out their own style. As a designer working for clients who have a wide range of style goals, I find this disappointing. This TV personality's design range is narrow, at best, and there are not very many rooms or projects in the book, once you get into it. I look for books to give or loan to clients to help thtem get a grasp of all the possibilties and of the basics of design, and this book is NOT one that I can use in my work. I recommend The New Decorating Book, which is broad in style and which explains design in ways that anyone can understand.
Rated By: Jessica Pastina
From: Massachusetts
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Comments: Not the best decorating book you can buy With so many great decorating and design books around, why would anyone buy this one? The photos aren't that great, the projects stretch out for pages, the content is limited, and the message of empowerment and doing your own thing is nothing new and is actually conveyed better in many other books I have bought. To be empowered and free to be brave and do your own thing means that you need to know more about design. If you don't, you stuckwith simply copying what someone like Christopher Lowell tells you. It means doing your thing -- not his. And Mr. Lowell is not an accredited interior designer. I recommend several other books, because they are giving me the background I need so that I can make my own decisions. My favorite is The New Decorating Book, which is gorgeous and informative. I also like Use What You Have Decorating -- which is not very attractive but offers some good ideas in the writing.
Rated By: "spuddlydoright"
From: INDIANANPOLIS, INDIANA
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Comments: You've seen it all on the TV show If have watched the show at all in the last year, you've seen something from this book. It is missing the freshness and creativity that his show once had. I wonder how much of the material stemmed from freebies from retailers.
Christopher Lowell is a creative guy, capable of much better. I gave it 2 stars out of loyalty for the years of watching the show.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Paint for the first layer? Recipe for disaster! Although I am an interior decorator for more than twenty years, my first impression of this book is "How Not To Decorate". How anyone can honestly begin with a paint color first is totally unqualified to teach the average consumer to decorate their own home. As far as I'm concerned, (and I do have experience), when you begin with a fabric, (Fabrique Technique) everything can be pulled from there, including paint colors! Can you imagine painting a room first, then trying to find a fabric to match? If I were to do that, I'd never attempt to decorate myself again if I were a novice. First of all, if one watches the show, when Christopher demonstrates his first layer of paint, isn't it uncanny how well his fabrics work with whatever paint color was chosen? I saw Ms. Raffo, the author of Fabrique Technique, at the Fruniture Market in High Point last year, and her seminar (to me) seemed the most logical way of approaching decorating not only for the professional, but for the amateur. I think Christopher Lowell has underestimated the intelligence of his audience by publishing this book.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: The show is great, The Book is the worst! One of the worst decorating books I have ever seen! The ideas are just plain bad. Better luck next time.
Rated By: Lindsey
From: Tampa, FL
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Comments: Thank you! Thank you! What a GREAT book! This man knows his stuff! The ideas he gives you are so great and he explains it in terms so that the average person can understand & use his techniques! I have decorated my own house, but you would never know it! I have a gorgeous home and on a budget! Thank you!
Rated By: Jessica Pastina
From: Massachusetts
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Comments: Of no help at all This is the kind of book that gives decorating a bad name. Instead of talking about good design, he digs right in to "decorating," which in this case means layering on the junk. One shouldn't start with paint (or fabric) or anything of the sort. Good design begins with good over all use of space. It's only after one decides how a room will be used and gets the basic furnishings in place to carry out that function that one can -- at the END, not the beginning -- put the finishing touches on in the form of color, texture, and so on. I think Mr. Lowell would make a good cake decorator, but a designer he's not.
Rated By: "puchesman1"
From: Arizona
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Comments: What an awesome book!!! I love Christopher Lowell!! His show is wonderful and his book is "fabulous!" This book empowers people to venture out on their own and take risks that they normally would not have taken. It provides you with an independence to do your own thing and not rely upon overpriced, tacky interior designers whom just want to impose their own haughty ideas on your home. Thank you Christopher Lowell for providing us with a book that simply explains how we can take an idea or a color for a room and transcend the room into something wonderful!!
Rated By: B. R. Cook
From: Buffalo Grove, Illinois
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Comments: Decorating Companion Must I have found Lowell's book to be a clear roadmap for decorating assistance. No matter what style or colors you choose, his approach to helping you make interior design decisions is easy to follow and gives you confidence. He lays out a logical sequence of "layers" to attack, and helps you bring everything together into a beautiful, cohesive whole. With Lowell's assistance, our white walls of 7 years are now full of color. He encouraged us to experiment and provided much needed direction.
Rated By: Movie Maven "julierb"
From: Duvall, WA
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Comments: Help for the decorating dazed and confused I enjoy Christopher Lowell's television show, and found his book equally terrific! The advice about interviewing and working with an interior decorator is worth the cost of the book by itself. The projects are challenging but definitely add to your home's look without putting you in the poorhouse. The best thing about Christopher Lowell? He starts with *paint*. Paint is cheap, and can simply be painted over without incurring thousands in re-dos and "buying mistakes." Paint also makes a huge impact, and you don't have to change furniture or buy expensive accessories.
It's not brain surgery, but home decorating can reduce the most self-assured woman to a tearful wreck. This book can either be followed to the letter or used as a springboard to other decorating books and magazines. Christopher's breezy writing style and easily understood explanations make the most fearful home decorator ready to finally pick up that paintbrush and get busy!
Rated By: C. Blanton "loohootwo"
From: Southern California
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Comments: Christopher Lowell's 7 Layers of Design I have enjoyed this book.Even though Christopher's sense of style is a little different than my own,his book is a good starting point .With his basic ideas and a little imagination,one can make their home an expression of their tastes. I was especially pleased that Christopher listed sources for the products he used for the projects.There is nothing more annoying than to know what you want to do but not have a clue where to get the supplies.No book can answer all one's questions but this book will point you in the right direction.
Rated By: Nancy Shields "nshields10"
From: Cedar Park, TX
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Comments: Great for a budget It is frustrating to continue to read reviews from people who base decorating on a piece of fabric. If you are tired of the fabric in 2 years, you would have to redecorate the entire room! I think the idea of using paint first is excellent. It is inexpensive and easy for the layperson. Wallpaper is a nightmare; we put up a ceiling border only in our nursery and we vowed to never use anything like it again. This book's format and premise flow logically and I thought it was an excellent "cookbook for decorating."
Rated By: Aimee
From: Las Vegas, NV
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Comments: Fabulous Ideas I love this book because not only does it give you sound advise on choosing interior colors for your home, but it helps you decorate it once you've gotten that hard part done. There are many original ideas for all rooms of the home. The best part about that is, it shows you how to do it yourself using the most inexpensive, but effective ways to add that personal touch. If you are a novice, like me, you'll appreciate Christopher Lowell's unique approach to home decorating.
Rated By: H. T. Daniel
From: MD, USA
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Comments: It's easier than you think! Christopher makes designing a room easy. It's such a daunting task when you look at the room as a whole, but if you take it down to his 7 layers, then it is so manageable and doesn't seem like it would be so difficult.
Rated By: C. Douglass "Beargod"
From: Cary, Illinois
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Comments: Worth the $$$! Though much of the information contained in this book has already been shown on his show, I found it useful and worth the money. I found it helpful to use as a reference as I redecorated my living room, and wow, what a difference! His approach to decorating is completely different than the "decorate your home from one piece of fabric" approach, but I found Lowell's method far easier to execute successfully. Though it may not be the method most decorators are taught in school, IT WORKS, and it works for the layperson that has never taken a design class of any kind.
Rated By: "petersmaclean"
From: Prince Ed Island, Canada
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Comments: LOTS OF AFFORDABLE, PRACTICAL IDEAS! What appealed the most to me about this book was the common sense approach and simple designs used throughout the book. Following the author's advice, the room you redecorate will be functional, practical and should not take your life savings to complete. Personally, I did not care for the author's sense of style and colour co-ordination, but the reader can always substitute these elements with their own perferences. It is the technique that is important and the author does have some excellent ideas. Room accessories are also a personal choice, but the book does contain some great suggestions, and I particularly liked his ideas on flooring. Overall, the book has many suggestions and though not all may appeal to the reader, there are certainly a great many that will leave you thinking, " What a terrific idea, I never though of that." The author has a simple, no-nonsense approach to a project many inexperienced "do-it-yourselfers" consider a major challenge.
Rated By: J.B. Sloan
From: Michigan
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Comments: Not much in this book I like Christopher Lowell's show and his fun approach to decorating. This book was disappointing, though, because there isn't much in it. Christopher takes the same room or project and stretches it out over too many pages. I just didn't feel that I got my money's worth from the book because of the limited number of rooms and ideas shown.
Rated By: M.D. Roettger
From: Clayton, MO
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Comments: Not worth the money Actually, I did not pay for this book, because a friend gave it to me as a shower gift, but the book is not worth the money because its content is so limited. I get the feeling that the author was trying to stretch his material because as another reviewer mentioned you see the same room again and again. I guess some people buy this thin book because the author is said to have a TV show, but I work and have never seen it, so I'm not sure of this author's qualifications.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: I love this book! I was never much of Christopher Lowell fan until I became a stay at home mom. I started watching his show and now have read his book. His approach helps take the fear out of decorating. I love the fact that he is on a "no white walls" campaign. I'm a huge fan of painting walls and adding color. It truly is the cheapest way to warm up a room. Christopher is right when he talks about keeping your large furniture pieces in a solid, neutral color. I made the costly mistake of buying a sleeper sofa in a floral pattern print 3 years ago. Although I still love the colors, I'm not so crazy about the pattern anymore. Also, finding coordinating fabrics has been nearly impossible. Where was Christopher when I needed him?! It is too expensive to get it reapholstered, so I plan slip-cover it in a neutral fabric for a fraction of the cost per his suggestions. No other books break down decorating in such easy to understand steps.
Rated By: Kisanna
From: Seattle, Washington
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Comments: Excellent book home decorator should own Fantastic ideas!! Made my wall color decisions a breeze. Great guide for me and not at all intimidating. Very informative of all aspects of building a room. After owning decorating book after book, this ultimately became my basis for starting the initial charge in making my dream home.
Rated By: Kisanna
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Excellent book home decorator should own Fantastic ideas!! Made my wall color decisions a breeze. Great guide for me and not at all intimidating. Very informative of all aspects of building a room. After owning decorating book after book, this ultimately became my basis for starting the initial charge in making my dream home.
Rated By: peg2
From: Chicago, IL
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Comments: great ideas! Okay, so his taste and mine aren't even vaguely similar. That doesn't mean there aren't some great ideas in this book. I like how Mr. Lowell breaks everything down to a point where the decorating-impaired (such as myself) can handle a redecorating job. You don't have to do everything he says; choose what works for you.
I've been putting off redecorating for years, because I was paralyzed by all the decisions that have to be made. This book sets a starting point, and then the next place to work on, and so on, until you have a nicely decorated room. Yes, his taste is a bit over the top, but I can see the value in his approach.
If you're looking for absolutes, don't buy this book. If you're looking for a place from which to take off, this could be the book for you.
Rated By: "lynx3"
From: Vista, CA
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Comments: A not so serious book for those serious about decorating If you can only buy one book on decorating, this is the one. Mind you, I am writing this as a total neophyte decorator. I bought a fixer upper and had never decorated before in my life. Christopher seems to have taken all of the thought work out of decorating and left you with the fun. I especially love his recipe for picking colors. I've followed it for my living room, hallways and bedroom. They look absolutely fabulous. Doing that gave me enough confidence to venture further on my own with color and voila- I have a beautiful and happy house. Mind you I am still in the process, but so far he's been right on with everything he's said, from ceilings to floors. Oh, and this is a totally FUN read. Not too wordy and definitely not boring. This is written by someone who has found his niche and LOVES it.
Rated By: Remain Anonymous
From: USA
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Comments: Not worth the money This book isn't worth the money. I like Christopher's show (on those rare occasions when I'm home during the day and get to watch it), but I watch it because he's theatrical, weird, sort of fun, definitely NOT doing real design for real people. The book purports to offer real design guidance but it's just a tarted-up bunch of ideas and projects that are stretched and stretched and stretched to fill this book. Not worth the money. p.s. Very funny review by someone else who refers to Lowell as a man's man. Hahahahahahaha.
Rated By: b.crawford
From: Maryland
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Comments: OK but not great If you can only buy one decorating book, definitely do NOT buy this one. It's ok but not great. It is not comprehensive. It doesn't have a lot to say. It stretches out projects to take up space. It's worth maybe 1/4 of what it sells for. There are many, many better decorating books on the market.. If you like Christopher Lowell's show (I do), then watch it as the entertainment it is intended to be but don't expect a good design book to come out of it.
Rated By: Myla Herbert "mylah"
From: Roseville, CA
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Comments: Great book! This book is a great reference guide. If you are an avid watcher of the TV show, all of this information is a repeat. However, I found it nice to have in print so I could refer to it as often as needed.
Rated By: "jimpegwe"
From: Springfield, MO
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Comments: Great sense of style! The Christopher Lowell Show was my favorite thing to watch weekdays in between classes, so I nearly cried when Mediacom Cable took my Discovery Channel away!! But I still have my 7 Layers of Design book to read when I am suffering from Christopher Lowell withdrawal. The only downside to this book is that I've already seen most of the projects featured on his show - but I guess if I didn't have Christopher Lowell addiction it wouldn't be that way, eh?
Anyway, it's nice for there to be an interior decorator with an inviting do-it-yourself attitude that actually has a fantastic sense of style! I can't stand the Martha-wannabe types who merely teach you how to hot glue some raffia to a rusty bucket. And what the hell is raffia anyway? Looks like straw to me.
Christopher Lowell will teach you step-by-step how to turn any boring room into a luxurious and welcoming living space - without breaking the bank! Trust me, these tips work -- I followed his advice in my dorm room and never has a 10 X 12 white concrete cube looked so inviting - and all on a college student budget! (Now if only I could get the school to let me paint the walls...!)
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Disappointing Christopher Lowell (the Richard Simmons of decorating) may be fun to watch on TV, but his appeal does not translate to books. He's an entertainer. The book turned out to be terribly lacking in content with several pages devoted to one project or idea. One gets the feeling that he was stretching limited content. I felt cheated when I got this book because there wasn't much in it. And his message of being free to do your own thing is found in virtually every good decorating book these days. Nothin' to see here!
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: No Fear Decorating I have read several decorating books and this one is by far the best. The author shows how to make "safe" decorating choices on expensive items (like furniture) and save the fancy embelishments for less expensive and more easily changed items. He also has great tips for how to pick colors for walls that won't scare off prospective future buyers and also blend well with the furnishings, whatever you may choose - even if you change them later. The first 1/3 of the book explains the "how tos" and the rest of the book shows real-life before and after examples of how to apply the 7 layer theory. The author is obviously a big believer in re-using, recycling, faux finishes, and flea markets to save money.
Rated By: ptseminarian "ptseminarian"
From: New York, NY
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Comments: go for the principles, not the taste i've browsed through tons of interior design books in my day, and while i wouldn't say that christopher lowell's taste is anywhere near mine, i would still recommend this book as one of the first books you should buy for decorating help. i can't recall any other decorating guide for non-professionals that is as comprehensive as it is with instructions on how to piece a room together from top to bottom, and the "layer" concept is a very helpful thinking-tool.
the vast majority of design books out there that claim to describe the principles in design are either very limited in scope (such as 'be cute and space saving') or far too abstract to show you how to join the different layers of a room together using the principles they describe in a systematic way (such as choosing a color scheme or keeping the architecture of the room in mind). in other words, christopher's 7 layers helps you integrate both the macro- and micro- levels of design in a room, no matter what your taste or style.
this approach would be especially helpful for those of you that are very object-oriented when you start a designing project--by this i mean that you focus on the "stuff" (whether furniture or decorative accents) that people fall in love with when they decide what has to go into a room. if you understand how the 'layers' function, you'll be able to piece together a room-canvas that will really show off what you want on display!
Rated By: Jamie Manning "jamieavenger"
From: Avondale, Arizona
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Comments: Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design I absolutely love this book! Talk about well written! I can't tell you how much money I've spent on decorating books that told me absolutely nothing. I felt more intimidated after having read these books than I did before I read them. Christopher explains everything in such a way that you can't wait to start decorating!This book is informative and fun. Most decorating books tell you how to decorate once you've decided on a particular style but provide little to no information on how to develope your sense of style. They tell you to paint your walls but tell you nothing about how to go about picking a color you'll absolutely love. Christopher helps take out all of the guess work. This is a book worth purchasing.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: The best decorating book I own! This book is great! Not only does it give you some good ideas from the author's projects, it teaches you how to turn any space into a comfortable, attractive area. The "7 layers" are simple and easy, with wonderful results.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: My favorite decorating book, but not for everyone Apparently this is a love it or hate it book. I have never seen his show but am captivated by the book, from which I got ideas to solve a lot of my problems. I have been struggling with finishing my house, and now I know some of the things that are wrong, and other things that are real opportunities. I mostly borrow decorating books from the library, but I bought this one. There is no one comprehensive book for every aspect of decorating. For me, this covered some aspects in ways I hadn't thought of before.
Rated By: MRS ANGELA J BARROW
From: MOE, VICTORIA Australia
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Comments: a good place to start His rooms are lovely to look at, but I can see how his style would not be for everyone. Personally, I would hate to have to sweep and dust any of them. They are "overstuffed", with no room even to push the furniture aside and have a bit of a dance if the mood takes you. A bit stifling for me, but his basic theories are very logical and practical. Worth a read. (I have never seen his television show).
Rated By: bill emerick
From: kutztown,pa
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Comments: A Great Read!!!!!!!!!!!! I had very high expectations for this book...and Christopher sure came through!!!!!!!! All the tips were great and Chris looked great as always!!! I love his show and now i love his books!!!!! I can't wait to read his next book. thanks lowell...i love you man!!!!!
Rated By: Nicole E. Hopeman "nikalana"
From: Pittsburgh, PA
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Comments: Fun and informative This is a fun book. However, if you already have furniture and can't afford to buy a lot more accessories, this might not be the book for you. He advises doing things in layers, which, in theory, is a great idea. I just don't have the time or money to do all the things he suggests. If you have an empty room and are starting from scratch with no paint or paper on the walls and can fill it with furniture and accessories, then this is great. Also, the big problem that I've noticed with some of these interior decorating books is that they don't offer a lot of different ideas. I have one book that has quite a few color palette ideas in the back and I've found that I use this a lot more, since it gives some definitive "use these colors to look coordinated" advice without being restrictive.
Rated By: Monica Van Horn
From: NY
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Comments: Pictures were nice, but pretty over powering It seemed like everything in the book was just as over the top as he is. Instead of showing you a really tastefull way of going about decorating something, everything was just bigger, and more colorful, and fluffier. I think that is kind of his style, and I guess I'm just not a fan of it.
I think if you really enjoy him, you will like this book. I guess I don't enjoy him or this book.
Rated By: atlantis4569
From: Unavailable
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Comments: I love this book! This book is everything and more than what I expected it to be. Christopher has excellent ideas, and isn't afraid to tell it like it is. I now have several projects that I am going to use from the book. I feel like I can jump right into my room now and get started, whereas before I was reluctant. I just didn't know where to begin. Now with the Seven layers, I know exactly what to do.
Rated By: Janice M. Maxwell
From: Castro Valley, CA
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Comments: Need more layers... What I liked about this book was that Lowell broke the decorating muddle down into seven simple layers. What I didn't like was that the layers needed to be more in-depth and more examples needed to be given, rather than use just one room to illustrate his decorating lessons. For example, in layer two discussing the placement of furniture, he did explain his placement for that particular room, but not for placement of furniture in other rooms with different configurations. It would have helped to have several examples of placement of furniture, taking into consideration traffic patterns, conversation areas, etc. So, although the pictures were beautiful, I felt that there should have been a greater variety of examples of how each of the principles applied in different types of rooms/homes.
Rated By: Decorating Fanatic
From: GA
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Comments: I'm satisfied I think this is a very good how-to book. He does a great job explaining each of his 7 layers of design. What I found most helpful were the step-by-step photos as he applied each layer. It made it really easy to distinguish the effect each "layer" had. Nice before and after shots. Although these rooms weren't really the contemporary modern style that I like. I did learn a lot from the book.
Rated By: J. L. Mould
From: Milwaukee, Wi
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Comments: Great Book He is wonderful at showing you all of the details that go into design, and helping you find what your next space will be. He has some great ideas that really go me thinking about some of the space in my house. Great Buy!
Rated By: E. D. Blair
From: NY
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Comments: Love what he writes... ...but I'm not a big fan of his decorating style. I prefer a somewhat more minimalist approach, white walls and ceilings and less clutter. That being said, I really like the 7 layers idea and what he's written is very good. I'm finding the book helpful in many ways......I just try to avoid the photos.
Rated By: Kelley Bell
From: Ohio
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Comments: I've got some Drama for Ya! Of all the home shows on T.V., Christopher Lowell is by far the best of the best. I bought his book and used it as a guide to decorate my home. The results were beyond my expectations.
Comments: Well Done! I've read many decorating books over the years...many supposedly from the best of the best. I don't know how long he's been doing it....but he has a fresh approach and I believe, has succeeded at communicating what FEW others have been able to do for us novices...in a very comprehensive manner. Perhaps from some of the well known...veteran Interior Designers standpoint..Lowell has over simplified...that I don't know and because of my own lack of decorating experience I cannot answer. The book thoroughly goes over each step he presents in such a way that one can be inspired and actually DO some of these things. Not to mention he seems to be conscious that the majority of Americans live on a budget and don't have $5000.00 to spend on a couch. I appreciate he's not just interested in having a great looking decor..but is conscious of the fact that his readers don't want to go to the poorhouse to accomplish this. I certainly don't love every singly make over in the book...but that's about personal taste...not his ability to teach us a students. He's done a great job in this book...I highly recommend it to anyone looking for help in sifting their way through all the fog of interior decorating know how...ENJOY!
Rated By: lenojull
From: Unavailable
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Comments: good ideas for beginners I didn't know anything about decorating so this book was useful. It takes you step by step and helps you overcome your fear of using color or prints. Some of the ideas are over the top but essentially it is a good way to get you to think how to make something cheaply and make it look expensive.
Rated By: D. Reed "Shopaholic"
From: San Francisco, CA
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Comments: They'll think you're a professional I memorized the 7 steps and have implemented them at every residence over the years. People tell me I should go into decorating. It is so easy to look good using Lowell's basic formula. It is a breeze; starting with paint, be bold and take chances. I have sold several homes which I staged myself using this book. I made a windfall.
“If you can put together an outfit, you’re already overqualified to decorate a room,” believes Emmy Award–winning Christopher Lowell. Now he’s back with his proven Seven Layers of Design system to bring readers a lively blend of design theory and hands-on advice for fearless, fabulous decorating. 
