Interior Decorating on About.com

The philosophy behind this website is that anyone “can transform their living space into a beautiful sanctuary with a little time, creativity, inspiration, and imagination.” For those seeking inspiration to redecorate, reorganize, and revitalize their living spaces, this site offers creative ideas and comprehensive tools for the job.

The site includes how-to articles, reference guides, videos, and links to other interior decorating sites. In down-to-earth language it provides practical information on interior decorating for everyone from beginning do-it-yourselfers to professional designers. It covers standard decorating topics like drawing floorplans, choosing paint colors, arranging furniture, and installing lighting. But it also addresses other essentials of home organization like storing photos and cleaning up after pets. The varied assortment of how-to articles and decorating advice includes:

• Mudroom Makeover Tips
• Choosing the Right Size Chandelier
• Setting the Mood for Valentine’s Day
• How to Make a Spring Flower Garden Basket
• Installing Kitchen Cabinets

Of course, not everyone is experienced enough to tear into his or her kitchen drywall, so the site also gives tips on finding, hiring, and working with professionals. But whether you are a professional yourself, or simply want a home that looks professionally designed, this website will show you how to give your living space a complete makeover

Reviewed by Library Staff Member - Jeremy Salfen

The New Shape Of Fashion

Looking for the latest in plus-sized fashions? Try Figure magazine. A fashion-forward magazine for the plus-sized set, Figure is out to change the stereotype surrounding full-figured clothing. Flipping through this magazine it is evident that larger women have a lot more options than ever before. 

A bi-monthly magazine, Figure doesn’t focus solely on the clothing. Peppered around the smart and sexy fashion spreads are articles on such subjects as how to improve one’s credit rating, the importance of family, and planning the prefect cocktail party. As for the fashions themselves, the majority of the clothing is actually fashionable and colorful, a departure from the “only black is slimming” mentality. Items such as lingerie, swimwear and maternity are mentioned in almost every issue.

Not only a resource for the fashionably inclined, students looking for plus-sized body types to sketch and study will find a wealth of options. The body shapes addressed within this magazine run the plus-sized gamut; tall, petite, young and old.

Whether for fun or for edification, Figure is a good magazine resource for those interested in this rapidly growing segment of the population.

Reviewed by Library Staff Member – Sophie Lalazarian

What is the essence of Japanese design?  Perhaps it is best exemplified in the clean lines of the Marilyn Chair, designed by the architect Arata Isozaki in 1972. Isozaki combined the curves of Marilyn Monroe with the narrow, vertical lines found in the Mackintosh high-back chair. Or, it could be found in another utilitarian object such as a sake pourer. An example of which is found within these pages.  200 Sake Pourer, 1987 was made by the lacquer designer Akiraka Takagi in cedar bentwood, as part of a series commissioned by the Odate Craft Company that specializes in the wood. Its craftsmanship and design is stunning.

Japanese Designis a gorgeous book. It has over 310 illustrations (most in color) and covers the fields of fashion design, textile design, furniture, graphics, and more.  It is the first comprehensive survey on modern Japanese design. There are 19 essays by well-known designers and critics, as well as other notables in each field represented. Designer statements are included, as well as company histories on Honda, the Nippon Design Center, Sony and GK Design Group among many others.

Classic, timeless, organic. These are words that can best describe the Japanese aesthetic. From earlier forms of the 1950’s such as an award-winning sewing machine by Jiro Kosugi, to later designs of the 1990’s as shown by fashion designers Yohji Yamamoto and Kenzo, the survey presented in Japanese Designis an invaluable resource for the contemporary design enthusiast.

Reviewed by Library Staff Member – Cynthia Aaron